Every UNC Player Drafted by the Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have built their roster through a steady stream of talent from the University of North Carolina. Over the decades the franchise’s draft picks include a handful of Tar Heels, each arriving with a different story of success or missed opportunity. This look at the UNC alumni selected by the Nets highlights the standout contributions and the fleeting moments that never made the cut.

Mike O’Koren: Early First‑Round Gem

The Nets’ first notable UNC pick arrived in the 1980 NBA Draft. Mike O’Koren was taken sixth overall, a forward with four years of college experience at Chapel Hill. After college he logged seven seasons with Brooklyn, establishing him as the longest‑tenured Tar Heel among Nets draftees. His debut season marked the start of a solid run before injuries and roster changes shaped the remainder of his career.

Jimmy Black: 1982 Third‑Round Hope

Two years later the Nets added another guard from UNC in the 1982 Draft. Jimmy Black slipped to the 59th pick, the 13th selection of the third round, after a four‑year college career. Despite the talent, Black never cracked the Nets’ roster and moved on to other pursuits. His path underscores how draft position does not always translate into NBA success.

Steve Hale: A Guard From Chapel Hill

The franchise also drafted a Tar Heel guard named Steve Hale, who spent four seasons at UNC before the Nets selected him. The draft year and position details for Hale are missing from the public record, and he ultimately did not make the team’s final roster. His brief stint with the organization illustrates the competitive nature of making an NBA squad.

Late‑Round Miss: The 2016 Draft Pick

Another UNC player who never joined the Nets arrived in the 2016 NBA Draft. The Nets selected a late‑round talent at 25th overall in the second round, though his time in Brooklyn was short. Despite four years at Chapel Hill, the player did not stay with the franchise. This late‑round selection shows that even high draft positions from a prestigious program can result in quick roster moves.

Overall, the Nets’ relationship with UNC reflects a broader trend of elite college programs feeding NBA rosters. While a few Tar Heels have built lasting careers—especially Mike O’Koren—many others arrived with hopes that didn’t pan out on the court. As the Nets continue to scout talent, the Chapel Hill pipeline will likely remain an area of interest for their front office.