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UNC Basketball could’ve had Bruce Brown… but…

By Nick Delahanty

Jun 4, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown (11) controls the ball against the Miami Heat in the second quarter in game two of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown (11) controls the ball against the Miami Heat in the second quarter in game two of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Another “what if” story for the UNC basketball program, as current NBA standout Bruce Brown discusses how he wanted to be a Tar Heel.

Before he was an NBA champion who just earned a big two-year contract with the Indiana Pacers, Bruce Brown was a five-star recruit and a top-25 prospect in the Class of 2016.

It’s always interesting to go into the “what if” scenarios, as Brown provided one that involves the UNC basketball program.

Joining Theo Pinson as a guest on Tidal League’s “Run Your Race” podcast, Brown discussed how his recruitment played out. Before committing to Jim Larranaga and the Miami Hurricanes, Brown’s original plan was to end up a Tar Heel.

When he made the call to let the UNC basketball program know of his intentions, the Tar Heels didn’t give him the answer he was looking for:

"“I called North Carolina and said…Hey, I want to come.” And they said…No, we are going to take Seventh Woods.”"

Yes, the UNC basketball program elected to pass on Brown, who 247Sports ranked as the No. 23 overall player in the Class of 2016, to give the spot to Seventh Woods, who was a four-star prospect that ranked No. 59 overall in the class.

Of course, Woods arguably has one of the best highlight reels in the history of the sport of basketball, as you can’t really blame the Tar Heels for taking a chance on an athletic guard who had a ton of potential.

However, looking back, it probably wasn’t the right choice.

No disrespect to Woods, who spent three seasons with the UNC basketball program before transferring to South Carolina. Unfortunately, Woods was simply a role player during his time in Chapel Hill, as he never was able to carve out a major role within the team’s rotation.

Brown, on the other hand, put together two quality seasons as a starter at Miami before leaving school to enter the NBA Draft.

You can’t change history now, but it’s probably likely that the UNC basketball program’s response to Brown would’ve been different if they knew what they know now.

Next. Hubert Davis making strong effort for Darryn Peterson. dark

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