A total of nine past members of the North Carolina men's basketball squad, comprising two individuals who transitioned from Chapel Hill to complete their collegiate careers elsewhere, participated in the 2026 NBA Summer League event held in Las Vegas from July 3rd to July 19th.
This group of former Tar Heels included notable names such as RJ Davis (San Antonio), Pete Nance (Milwaukee), Drake Powell (Brooklyn), Seth Trimble (Washington), Henri Veesaar (Atlanta), and Caleb Wilson (Chicago). Additionally, two ex-UNC standouts who concluded their college tenure at Vanderbilt, Tyler Nickel (New York) and Jalen Washington (Chicago), also featured prominently in the Las Vegas competition.
The Summer League provided a platform for these athletes to demonstrate their progress and potential. Caleb Wilson of the Chicago Bulls delivered an exceptional performance, averaging 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals across four games, with impressive shooting percentages. His peak performance included a 35-point game against Memphis. Seth Trimble, representing the Washington Wizards, contributed 10.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over five games, highlighted by a 24-point effort against the Los Angeles Clippers and a memorable defensive play against former teammate Henri Veesaar. Veesaar, playing for the Atlanta Hawks, showcased his skills with averages of 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, marked by a strong 20-point game against Boston. RJ Davis, competing for the San Antonio Spurs, recorded 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over five appearances, achieving a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds against Utah. Pete Nance for the Milwaukee Bucks, despite lower scoring averages, displayed efficient shooting from both the field and beyond the arc, contributing 11 points and four assists in a game against Charlotte. Tyler Nickel, playing for the New York Knicks, averaged 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, demonstrating consistent scoring with two nine-point starts. Drake Powell of the Brooklyn Nets, while facing shooting challenges, managed to average 7.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.3 steals, with a standout 18-point game against Sacramento. Lastly, Cormac Ryan, also with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaged 11.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in his two games, and Jalen Washington, appearing in two games for the Chicago Bulls, contributed two points and one rebound.
The participation of these former North Carolina players in the NBA Summer League underscores their dedication and perseverance in pursuing professional basketball careers. Their individual achievements and contributions during the league serve as a testament to their continuous development and potential for future success in the sport, inspiring current and aspiring athletes to strive for excellence.