One of the major factors in the hiring of Jim Tanner as the general manager of the UNC basketball program was due to his experience as an agent at the NBA level. Representing over 70 NBA players over his 28-year career, Tanner represented some very notable players, including some Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers.
Ray Allen is one of the most notable players he represented. One of the best shooters to ever play the game, Allen made a special visit to Chapel Hill to visit the UNC basketball program. The program's official social media page shared some great photos from Allen's visit, including him spending some time with five-star talent Caleb Wilson.
Surprise visit from a Hall of Famer 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AjfNhNwU62
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) September 2, 2025
In life, it's always great to have connections. Jim Tanner certainly has those. Who better to spend time with the current Tar Heels than a guy who not only thrived at the college level but put together a legendary career in the NBA, one that earned him 10 NBA All-Star Appearances, two All-NBA selections, a pair of championships along with a spot on the coveted NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
For guys who aspire to one day play (and thrive) in the league, Allen is certainly a good resource to gain some information from.
The University of North Carolina has no trouble in terms of naming notable alumni. I mean, when the "G.O.A.T." of the sport wore Carolina Blue, that's really all that needs to be said.
However, Tanner's resources undoubtedly serve as a major flex, as NBA legends essentially can walk into the Dean Dome at any time to grace the UNC basketball program with their presence.
If it wasn't evident before, the hiring of Jim Tanner had a lot of layers to it, all of which provide major benefits for the UNC basketball program.