Were you or someone you love emotionally devastated by the University of North Carolina’s heartbreaking loss in the national title game to Kris Jenkins’ legendary buzzer-beater? Well, relief , financial, at least , may finally be on the way.
While the 2016–17 championship provided sweet redemption for Tar Heels fans, there’s always been a bittersweet edge to it, especially knowing that longtime stars like Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige weren’t around to share in the payoff. Without Isaiah Hicks’ hang-time miracle or Nigel Williams-Goss coming up hobbled, UNC may never have secured its cosmic comeback. Thankfully, Justin Jackson, Theo Pinson, and their teammates delivered a title for the ages — and now, nearly ten years later, their predecessors may finally get a reward of their own.
Thanks to the landmark House v. NCAA settlement, former student-athletes are now eligible for revenue sharing. That includes $2.8 billion in retroactive payments for those who competed between 2016 and 2025 without receiving full compensation for their value to college athletics.
So, to the 2016 Tar Heels who fell just short, your redemption might not be measured in trophies, but in tangible support that’s long overdue. No, it won’t undo the pain of that final shot — but it might soften the sting of lost opportunities and shelved endorsement deals.
Under the terms of the settlement, UNC athletes are now eligible for up to $20.5 million in shared revenue. The deal was delayed while courts debated how to handle roster limits and distribution frameworks, but those roadblocks were cleared late last week.
Now, players who poured their hearts into Carolina blue from 2016 onward — including those whose pro careers didn’t pan out as expected — will finally get their share. For those who helped drive UNC’s Final Four success, especially the group caught between heartbreak and redemption, the timing couldn’t be more fitting.
G League: ‘No Stopping’ UNC Basketball Alum Armando Bacot
The journey from Chapel Hill to the NBA is never a straight line—but for one former UNC basketball center, the destination seems increasingly within reach.
While he may not have heard his name called on draft night, the former Tar Heel big man is quietly building momentum and turning heads in professional circles. Whether it’s through Summer League play, G League development, or overseas stints, his trajectory suggests that a spot on an NBA roster may be more a matter of when than if.
Growth Since Leaving Chapel Hill
During his time at North Carolina, the center displayed flashes of high-level potential: shot-blocking ability, rebounding tenacity, and a physical presence in the paint. However, consistency and offensive polish were areas still under construction. After leaving the Tar Heels, he doubled down on development—and it’s paying off.
Scouts and front offices have taken notice of his improved footwork, added muscle, and growing versatility. No longer just a rim protector, the former UNC standout has expanded his offensive toolkit, flashing a soft touch around the basket and even a midrange jumper.
Building Buzz in Pro Circuits
After going undrafted, he didn’t retreat—he reloaded. Joining a G League team, he showcased the type of effort and upside that keeps NBA scouts watching. Averaging near a double-double with high-efficiency shooting and strong defensive metrics, he began climbing radars around the league.
Some insiders believe he could earn a two-way contract as early as this offseason, especially if he impresses during Summer League play. “He’s on the cusp,” one league scout told reporters. “He just needs the right opportunity.”
Chapel Hill Roots Run Deep
Even as he chases his NBA dream, the center remains connected to his Tar Heel roots. He’s spoken openly about the pride he takes in having worn the Carolina blue jersey and the lessons learned under head coach Hubert Davis.
“The standard at UNC is high—for a reason,” he once said in an interview. “That work ethic and mindset don’t leave you just because you graduate.”
Tar Heel Nation Watches With Pride
UNC fans have followed his post-college journey closely, rallying around him with every step forward. Social media lights up with each big performance, and former teammates often shout him out with messages of support.
In a program known for producing NBA talent, from Michael Jordan and Vince Carter to Coby White and Day’Ron Sharpe, this center may soon join the next wave of Tar Heels making their mark in the league.
The NBA Door Is Open
While the road has been unconventional, the destination appears clearer than ever. With continued development, a standout Summer League showing, or the right G League breakout, this former Tar Heel big could soon find himself stepping onto an NBA floor.
And when that moment comes, Tar Heel Nation will be right there with him—cheering the loudest.
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Michael Jordan’s Game-Changing Gift: New Bus Fleet Donated to UNC Basketball
In a move that’s turned heads across the basketball world, NBA legend Michael Jordan has once again shown his deep loyalty to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — but this time, with a gesture that goes beyond money or memorabilia. Instead of a check or signed gear, Jordan has gifted the UNC basketball program a fleet of brand-new, high-tech buses. University officials confirmed the surprise donation earlier this week, igniting excitement among fans, players, and coaches alike. While the flashy announcement grabbed headlines, the deeper significance lies in what it says about Jordan’s enduring connection to the school and his dedication to supporting the next generation of Tar Heels.
Jordan, whose legacy is defined by six NBA titles and global superstardom, has never forgotten his roots. As a freshman in 1982, he hit the iconic shot that won Dean Smith his first national title — a moment that launched both his career and his lifelong bond with Carolina. Over the years, Jordan has continued to give back through donations, mentorship, and public support, but this latest gift may be one of his most impactful yet.
The buses, designed with player comfort in mind, will be used by both the men’s and women’s teams for travel to away games and recruiting trips. UNC’s previous buses, though reliable, lacked the modern amenities found at other top-tier programs. With Jordan’s contribution, long road trips across the ACC will now be smoother and more supportive of players’ recovery and performance.
Why buses? Because Jordan understands the toll travel takes on athletes — and how something as seemingly simple as better transportation can improve health, focus, and team chemistry. In a statement, Jordan explained that he wanted to give back to the program that shaped him, helping future Tar Heels stay focused on “winning and growing as a team.”
The UNC community’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Head coach Hubert Davis called the donation “a game-changer,” and players were stunned by the gesture, with one tweeting in disbelief about riding on buses gifted by MJ himself. Even fans of rival programs acknowledged the thoughtful nature of the gift.
Beyond the practical benefits, Jordan’s donation symbolizes his values — humility, purpose, and a commitment to lifting others. In an age where flashy NIL deals dominate headlines, his investment in something behind the scenes speaks volumes. It reflects the culture Dean Smith built at Carolina, one that Jordan continues to honor.
As the new fleet hits the road this season, one thing is clear: Jordan’s legacy at UNC isn’t just alive — it’s evolving. Whether it’s unforgettable moments on the court, generous giving, or unexpected but deeply meaningful gestures like this one, Michael Jordan’s impact on the Tar Heel family remains unmatched. And for the players who ride those buses, it’s more than transportation — it’s a reminder of what it means to be part of something greater.
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