Former UNC basketball standouts square off in NBA Summer League opener

NBA Summer League action is officially underway, as the California Classic tipped off on Saturday in Sacramento.

A pair of former UNC basketball standouts matched up on day one of the event, as Leaky Black's Charlotte Hornets competed against Harrison Ingram's San Antonio Spurs.

Both players started for their respective teams and played significant minutes, but it was Black and the Hornets who came away with a blowout victory.

Let's start with Black, who is competing in his second NBA Summer League. After splitting time between the G-League and the NBA during his rookie season, the Concord, North Carolina native is looking to earn a permanent spot with the NBA squad.

Black did what Black does best: make winning plays. The talented wing showed off his elite defensive abilities by locking down multiple Spurs players, including Ingram, as San Antonio struggled mightily shooting the basketball through the first half of play.

One notable moment in the first half for Black came following a rebound, as the former Tar Heel sped the ball up the court to find an open teammate for an easy layup.

Black also created a bit for himself offensively, as his first basket came just right before the half. He drove to the basket and drew the foul, resulting in an and-one.

His next basket was an impressive spin move jumper, of course, fittingly over the outstretched reach of another former Tar Heel in Ingram.

As for Ingram, you could tell that he was a bit timid at times. Could you blame him: it is his first NBA action!

Ingram showcased his high energy and motor that made him an instant favorite in Chapel Hill. His first basket didn't come until late in the fourth quarter, but that didn't stop him from making an impact elsewhere.

From battling for rebounds to finding open teammates, Ingram started to settle into the game, as the upcoming NBA Summer League action should truly benefit him as he prepares for his rookie season.

It was cool to watch these two former UNC basketball standouts go at it, especially given that they spent a good amount of time guarding each other. Who knows: maybe some matchups during the NBA regular season are on the horizon for these two former Tar Heels.