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UNC Basketball: Justin Pierce signs professional contract

By Nick Delahanty

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 06: Justin Pierce #32 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after making a three-point shot against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at the Dean Smith Center on November 06, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 06: Justin Pierce #32 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after making a three-point shot against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at the Dean Smith Center on November 06, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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A former UNC Basketball forward will begin his professional basketball career overseas after just one season in Chapel Hill

After spending his final collegiate season in Chapel Hill, former UNC Basketball forward Justin Pierce is ready to begin his professional career.

According to reports, Pierce has signed a professional basketball contract with Kobrat Basketball of the Korisliiga League in Finland.

It definitely isn’t a surprise that Pierce is pursuing professional opportunities overseas. The 22-year-old was unlikely to be selected in the upcoming NBA Draft, and with the current coronavirus pandemic, there probably won’t be many chances for him to showcase his talents to NBA teams.

Instead, the 22-year-old will head to Finland, looking for an opportunity to compete. This could be a nice stepping stone as Pierce looks to advance his basketball career.

The Glen Ellyn, Illinois native strung together a very nice collegiate career. He spent the first three seasons of his career at William & Mary, where he became a main fixture in coach Tony Shaver’s rotation.

As a graduate student, Pierce decided to transfer to North Carolina for his final season. He played in 32 contests for the Tar Heels, and was mostly used as a contributor off the bench. His numbers dipped from what he became accustomed to at William & Mary, but Pierce was still a very valuable piece to the Tar Heels rotation, especially given the number of injuries they dealt with during the season.

Pierce wrapped up his collegiate career with 1,139 points and 704 rebounds over 120 games.

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