Former Tar Heels Greats Return to Chapel Hill, Put on a Show for Current Squad

Former Tar Heels Greats Return to Chapel Hill, Put on a Show for Current Squad

Legends in powder blue reunite on campus to inspire, mentor, and compete with the next generation of Tar Heels.

Chapel Hill was buzzing this week as some of the most beloved names in recent North Carolina Tar Heels basketball history returned to campus — not just for a nostalgic visit, but to hit the hardwood and remind everyone why they wore the Carolina blue with pride.

Headlining the informal reunion was Cam Johnson, the NBA sharpshooter who recently made headlines himself with a trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Denver Nuggets. Johnson suited up, ran full-court games with the current UNC squad, and quickly reminded everyone just how deadly he is from long range. After a few competitive runs, he hit the showers, but not before giving the young players a clinic in poise, precision, and professionalism.

Joining Johnson were fellow Tar Heel legends Justin Jackson and Luke Maye, among others, all donning Carolina practice gear and bringing the energy of past glory days back to the Dean Dome.

Cam Johnson: From Pittsburgh to the Pros via Chapel Hill

Johnson’s journey to stardom wasn’t exactly conventional. He began his college career with the Pittsburgh Panthers, where he played for three seasons before transferring to North Carolina. His transfer to UNC in 2017 marked a turning point. While the 2017-18 team didn’t reach the heights Tar Heel fans hoped for  losing the ACC Championship Game and falling to Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA Tournament  Johnson was just getting started.

By his fifth year, Johnson had fully come into his own. He averaged 16.9 points per game, shot a scorching 50.5% from the field, and an incredible 45.7% from three-point range. His breakout season propelled him into the NBA lottery, where he was selected 11th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves (and immediately traded to Phoenix). His visit this week was a full-circle moment, offering current players a firsthand look at the payoff of hard work and perseverance.

Justin Jackson: From Final Four Heartbreak to National Champion

Few Tar Heels are as closely associated with redemption as Justin Jackson. Arriving in Chapel Hill as a top recruit in 2014, Jackson started 114 games over three seasons and became one of Roy Williams’ most dependable scorers and leaders.

Jackson’s second season ended in heartbreak, as the Tar Heels fell to Villanova in the 2016 National Championship — a loss sealed by a now-iconic buzzer-beater. But he returned with a vengeance in 2016-17, leading the team in scoring at 18.3 points per game, earning ACC Player of the Year honors, and guiding UNC back to the national title game.

This time, the Tar Heels finished the job. Jackson scored 16 points in the championship game as UNC defeated Gonzaga, delivering Roy Williams’ third NCAA title. Now a seasoned NBA veteran, Jackson’s presence on campus this week was both motivational and symbolic  a reminder that setbacks can fuel greatness.

Luke Maye: A Tar Heel Legend with Global Reach

Then there’s Luke Maye, the beloved forward whose UNC story is etched in March Madness lore. Maye’s buzzer-beater against Kentucky in the 2017 Elite Eight remains one of the most iconic shots in program history. But his contributions went far beyond one moment.

In his junior year, Maye averaged a double-double and helped lead the Tar Heels to the Sweet 16, showing relentless effort and emotional leadership that endeared him to fans nationwide. While he hasn’t carved out a long-term NBA career, Maye has found success overseas and remains a high-level pro  further proof that talent and grit transcend borders.

Legacy Meets the Future

The University of North Carolina shared photos of the gathering on its social media platforms, sparking excitement among fans and alumni alike. But the most significant impact of the visit may not be seen on social media. For the current UNC roster, playing alongside these former stars and competing against them  offered a rare, valuable opportunity to absorb knowledge, intensity, and a sense of what it means to be part of the Tar Heel legacy.

The message was clear: greatness doesn’t end when you leave Chapel Hill. For these alumni, the Carolina connection is for life — and this week, they passed that legacy on to the next generation.

As the current squad gears up for a new season, they do so with renewed inspiration  and a reminder that they’re walking the same halls, wearing the same jerseys, and practicing on the same floor as champions.