UNC alumni in the NBA: Theo Pinson putting up big numbers in G-League

Former Tar Heel putting up big numbers in NBA G-League

Former University of North Carolina standout Theo Pinson made a name for himself in college as an athletic, versatile wing with the ability to play lock-down defense. Rarely did teams game plan for his offensive prowess, though he did become a legitimate scoring threat during his final season in Chapel Hill.

Much like his former teammate Isaiah Hicks, Pinson went undrafted following his senior season at North Carolina. The 6-foot-6, 218-pound guard played well enough during NBA Summer League play, though, that the Brooklyn Nets signed him to a two-way contract. The deal allows Pinson to spend up to 45 days on the Nets’ roster, while still getting the ever-important experience he needs from playing with their G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.

And just three games into the season, Pinson’s play has already warranted the call up from Long Island to Brooklyn.

After a Friday night victory over Raptors 905, Long Island improved to 3-0 on the young season, and much of that is due to Pinson’s terrific play. The former Tar Heel is averaging a team-high 36.9 minutes per game, and his 23 points a night are second only to Alan Williams, who’s played one fewer game.

His 53.7 percent shooting percentage leads the team, as does his 45 percent clip from three-point range. He’s leading the team in accuracy from the free throw line, where he’s shooting 88.9 percent. He’s also showing tremendous versatility with his 6.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. He’s playing under control, too, committing just two turnovers and two fouls per game.

His outstanding play early in the season is highlighted by a 29-point game against the Capital City Go-Go on Thursday night. He knocked down 9-of-12 shots from the floor, including 6-of-8 from three-point range and all five free throw attempts. He also recorded six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and just one turnover in 35 minutes of play. Not only that, but it was Pinson’s terrific defense on the final play of the game that sealed the Nets’ one-point victory over the Go-Go.

With that kind of production on a nightly basis, Pinson will no doubt get a chance to play for the Nets under the bright lights in Brooklyn. Stick with Keeping It Heel for more on Pinson, and UNC alumni throughout the league.