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UNC Basketball Alumni: Tony Bradley off to hot start in Summer League

By Blake Cockrum

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Quin Synder of the Utah Jazz talks with Tony Bradley #13 of the Utah Jazz in the second half of a preseason NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 5, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Quin Synder of the Utah Jazz talks with Tony Bradley #13 of the Utah Jazz in the second half of a preseason NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 5, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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Former UNC basketball standout Tony Bradley off to hot start in NBA Summer League play

Former UNC basketball standout and 2017 NCAA champion Tony Bradley is off to a hot start in NBA Summer League play. The third-year big man out of North Carolina has posted double-doubles in each of his first three games — two in the Utah Summer League and one in Las Vegas Summer League play.

In his first game in Salt Lake City, Bradley scored 14 points on an efficient 6-of-12 shooting from the floor. He struggled to find consistency from the free throw line, though, knocking down just two of his six attempts. His 15 rebounds led the game, while adding two blocks and an assist in 25 minutes of play. Despite Bradley’s efforts, Utah fell to Memphis 85-68.

Bradley was even better the following night against the Cleveland Cavaliers when he scored a game-high 26 points, and again led all players with 16 rebounds. He was even more efficient shooting the ball than the prior night, knocking down 9-of-13 shots from the floor, and connecting on 8-of-10 from the charity stripe. He also blocked three shots in 27 minutes as the Jazz topped the Cavs 86-71.

Against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, Bradley picked up right where he left off the game before. He scored 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor, and led the game with 14 rebounds. He also dished out three assists to go along with a steal and a block in 27 minutes of play. He did commit five fouls and five turnovers, but the Jazz took down the Thunder by a score of 78-66.

Bradley is now averaging 19.6 points — on an incredible 62 percent shooting — 15 rebounds and two blocks per game over his first three. He made three appearance for the Jazz last season, averaging 5.7 points and five rebounds per game. With the kind of improvement he’s showing in year three, though, Bradley could be poised to take the next step in his career, and play in the NBA on a more consistent — and potentially permanent — basis moving forward.

Next. UNC's 2020 recruiting class could look a lot like this.... dark

Keep in mind that Bradley is just 21 years old, and would be entering his senior season of college had he stayed with the Tar Heels.

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