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When you look at the best college basketball teams to exist, UNC's 2008-09 National Championship-winning team has to be up there.
Complete with program greats and future NBA players like Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Danny Green and Wayne Ellington, few came close to beating this Tar Heel squad.
One player not talked about enough on that title-winning team is Deon Thompson, who averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game across 38 appearances (37 starts).
On Monday, after an accomplished 16-year career played mainly overseas, Thompson announced his retirement from professional basketball.
Thompson is returning home to be a graduate assistant on Michael Malone's staff, which makes continuing a pro playing career tougher. Suiting up in the United States is one thing, but constantly every week isn't ideal.
Thompson played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2010 NBA Summer League action, but quickly flew over to Greece after failing to make a final NBA roster. Eight championships, four all-star nods and two MVP awards later, Thompson left his pro career better than he started.
Thompson isn't the only former Tar Heel on Malone's inaugural staff, joining Sean May, Brandon Robinson and Pat Sullivan. North Carolina went outside of its traditional "Carolina Family" to find Malone, a smart move considering underperformance with Hubert Davis, but will have plenty familiar faces on the sidelines.
In his first season as a coach, Thompson will haves the likes of key returner Jarin Stevenson and incoming transfer Terrence Brown to work with. UNC likely isn't done adding to its 2026-27 roster yet, which blends starting experience with youthful talent.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Deon Thompson officially retires
Continue reading...
Complete with program greats and future NBA players like Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Danny Green and Wayne Ellington, few came close to beating this Tar Heel squad.
One player not talked about enough on that title-winning team is Deon Thompson, who averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game across 38 appearances (37 starts).
On Monday, after an accomplished 16-year career played mainly overseas, Thompson announced his retirement from professional basketball.
Thompson is returning home to be a graduate assistant on Michael Malone's staff, which makes continuing a pro playing career tougher. Suiting up in the United States is one thing, but constantly every week isn't ideal.
Thompson played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2010 NBA Summer League action, but quickly flew over to Greece after failing to make a final NBA roster. Eight championships, four all-star nods and two MVP awards later, Thompson left his pro career better than he started.
Thompson isn't the only former Tar Heel on Malone's inaugural staff, joining Sean May, Brandon Robinson and Pat Sullivan. North Carolina went outside of its traditional "Carolina Family" to find Malone, a smart move considering underperformance with Hubert Davis, but will have plenty familiar faces on the sidelines.
In his first season as a coach, Thompson will haves the likes of key returner Jarin Stevenson and incoming transfer Terrence Brown to work with. UNC likely isn't done adding to its 2026-27 roster yet, which blends starting experience with youthful talent.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Deon Thompson officially retires
Continue reading...
