UNC Basketball: Former Tar Heels forward JP Tokoto re-signs in Israel

Former UNC Basketball forward JP Tokoto spent some time in the NBA’s G-League but since then, he’s found success playing overseas. And now he’s ready to stay in a familiar place for a little longer.

Tokoto spent the past season in Israel playing with Hapoel Tel Aviv after signing a new contract back in November of 2020. He will stay with the team for at least another year.

Per The Sports Rabbi, Tokoto is close to another deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv for the 2021-22 season along with James Young:

This will be Tokoto’s second-straight season with Hapoel Tel Aviv but he’s familiar with the league as he played for  Hapoel Eilat during the 2018-19 season and then Ironi Nes Ziona from 2020-21.

After three years with the Tar Heels, Tokoto opted to leave for the NBA following a Sweet 16 loss to Wisconsin back in 2015. He was selected in the second round and the No. 58th overall pick but played just two seasons in the G-League before going overseas. From there, Tokoto played in Australia with Perth then in Israel with Hapoel before going to Burgos in Spain for the 2019-20 season.

In his three years with the Tar Heels, Tokoto averaged 6.7 points, 4.4. rebounds and 2.7 assists while being named to the All-ACC Defensive Team in 2014.

Tokoto has been named All-NBA second team (2018), and was awarded the Israeli League All-Star Game MVP back in 2019 as part of his international accomplishments.

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