Two Former Tar Heels Make USA World Cup Team

The USA FIBA World Cup Rosters were announced recently, and two former Tar Heels made the cut.

Former North Carolina players Cam Johnson and Walker Kessler have been selected to represent the United States in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Those two had opposite career paths getting to and leaving Chapel Hill. While one is beloved, the other, not so much.

The Transfer to Chapel Hill

Cam Johnson– A transfer who came to North Carolina from Pittsburgh, was a huge part of North Carolina’s success during his time with the program. As a sharpshooter, Johnson was reliable and always ready to go. During his senior season with the Tar Heels, Johnson averaged 16.9 points and 5.8 rebounds. That year, he was an All-ACC selection. He has made a great career for himself, first with the Phoenix Suns and now with the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson recently signed a 4-year, $108 million dollar contract to stay with Brooklyn. He was highly sought-after in free agency before deciding to stay. Johnson has already been to an NBA finals and continues to improve every season.

The Transfer away from Chapel Hill

Walker Kessler- It was a surprise when he committed to North Carolina and a surprise when he transferred away. The big man was a rim protector for the program in his lone season. Kessler probably should have played more minutes than he did, but North Carolina fans were excited to see him develop. Then he transferred to Auburn. There he became a star and helped lead Auburn to a 2-seed in the NCAA tournament. This undoubtedly left a bad taste in the mouths of Carolina fans all over. North Carolina ended up having a pretty memorable season anyway. Now with the Utah Jazz, he has developed into a big-time rim protector and will be a huge part of their future.

Let’s hope that the USA can bring home the Gold this Summer!