Former UNC Basketball Stars Return to Campus for Summer Workouts Due to Ongoing Culture of Excellence……
Chapel Hill, NC — Summer at the University of North Carolina typically brings seasonal quiet—students dispersed, exams behind them, and athletics in a lull. Yet this summer is being disrupted by a familiar, invigorating sight: former UNC men’s basketball stars gathering at the Dean E. Smith Center, joining current players in summer workouts. Led by recent NBA trade headline-makers, these alumni are back on campus to sweat, mentor, compete, and reinforce the Tar Heel basketball legacy.
On July 2, Tyler Zeller and Luke Maye have been seen suiting up alongside Cameron Johnson—who was traded to the Denver Nuggets earlier this week—as well as Justin Jackson. The return of these decorated former players has drawn attention not for nostalgic photo-ops, but rather for how they’re contributing to the next generation’s growth on the court .
High-Profile Alumni on the Floor
Cameron Johnson headlines the group. He joined UNC in 2017 as a graduate transfer after three seasons at Pittsburgh and quickly became a critical offensive weapon. In the 2017–18 season, Johnson averaged 16.9 points per game on an extremely efficient 50.5% field-goal and a remarkable 45.7% mark from three-point range, earning first-team All‑ACC recognition. In 2019, he was selected 11th overall in the NBA Draft and most recently traded to the Denver Nuggets—a move that saw Johnson back in Chapel Hill within days .
Justin Jackson also returned—another UNC scoring machine whose three years (2015–17) were marked by ACC tournaments and deep NCAA Tournament runs. A freshman phenom, Jackson started all 114 games during his tenure, claimed ACC Player of the Year in 2017, and helped secure UNC’s third NCAA title in 15 years. His consistent return to campus, publicly captured in UNC’s social media feed, underscores his ongoing connection with the program .
Luke Maye, a beloved Tar Heel known for his steady consistency, doubles presence on campus as he continues his pro career overseas. A double‑double-average junior (16.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg) and first-team All‑ACC member in 2017‑18, Maye chose to return for his senior season despite NBA draft speculation. While his outside shooting dipped slightly, he remained a top rebounder and attacker on the offensive glass .
What’s Driving the Alumni Return?
There’s more to this reunion than nostalgia. Carolina Basketball head coach Hubert Davis and staff recognize the immense value of having alumni—many of whom have pitched in on Summer League competition and professional training—on campus. Their presence offers:
Peer Mentorship
Alumni understand the UNC system, the demands of balancing academics and elite basketball, and the UNC culture. Daily interactions and joint drills allow current players to learn firsthand what it takes—mentally and physically—to excel beyond college.
On‑Court Competitiveness
These alumni bring high‑octane performance driven by pro schedules, league exposure, and NBA-level fitness routines. Young players gain unmatched challenge in 5-on-5 drills and simulated game situations—lessons that go beyond what coaches alone can provide.
Recruitment Advantage
When recruits visit campus, alumni in action send a powerful signal: this is a program where relationships last. From Johnson’s presence at official visits to summer play dates run by Carolina staff, it’s an impactful recruitment message.
Reinforcing Tradition
UNC has an illustrious basketball lineage. Maintaining strong ties with former stars fosters continuity, upholding the Wilson‑Smith‑Davis era. It sustains alumni engagement, from fundraising to fan support and mentorship.
The Workout Sessions: A Snapshot
Photos shared on UNC’s official basketball social media captured the scene—athletes in cardinal and white, sprinting through floor drills, practicing 3-point shots, and competing in scrimmages. A tweet by UNC Basketball referred to the gathering as “the vets back in town” .
Adding to the scene, current players—freshmen, transfers, and rising sophomores—are integrating with their predecessors, exchanging tips on footwork, shooting, and “court IQ.” Such unfiltered coaching creates instant bonds and elevates the competitiveness of each session.
Alumni Continuity: Summer League and Beyond
The summer workouts dovetail with alumni activity in NBA Summer League. Former Tar Heels like Drake Powell and RJ Davis are shining at the pro level. A recent story highlighted that Powell was drafted and Davis signed as a free agent, both currently participating in Summer League action .
This timeline—from workouts at UNC to summer showcase tournaments—is seamlessly connected. Athletes like Johnson, who played key minutes at Dean Dome, can offer firsthand analytics to younger players watching current alumni and their performances.
Coach Hubert Davis Embracing the Return
Head coach Hubert Davis, himself a former UNC star, has been instrumental in encouraging alumni involvement. By encouraging these summer appearances, Davis signals that the program extends beyond just the active roster—it embraces a lifelong Carolina identity. He has fostered a tight‑quarterbacked framework, where alumni return doesn’t disrupt, but enhances, roster development.
Final Word: Legacy Elevated by Presence
This summer’s visits are more than motivational pep rallies—they offer tangible developmental benefits wrapped in Tar Heel pride. In 2025, Carolina stands amid a recruiting renaissance, spearheaded by Bill Belichick’s hiring for the football program. But on the hardwood, this return-to-campus movement is reminding all in Chapel Hill: UNC basketball isn’t merely a transient stage—it’s a culture, a community, and a journey that transcends time.
As the Dean Smith Center sees another season’s worth of anonymous drills and rookie breakthroughs, the ghosts past—Johnson, Jackson, Maye—are walking the halls. And in doing so, they’re building something greater: a lineage, a future, and a signal that Carolina doesn’t jus
t make stars—it remains their home.