Photo credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
UNC Basketball Pro Does Best MJ Impression in Bulls Win
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One of the most replayed highlights in NBA history is the skying hand-switch layup that Chicago Bulls legend and UNC basketball champ Michael Jordan displayed against the Los Angeles Lakers during a Game 2 matchup in June 1991 on the way to seizing his first of six NBA Finals MVP trophies.
Former Tar Heel guard Coby White, now in his fifth season with the Chicago Bulls since getting drafted No. 7 overall following his sensational 2018-19 freshman campaign in Chapel Hill, didn't quite replicate Jordan's signature moment (one of many) on Thursday night.
His flight path wasn't at the same level. Then again, nobody's ever has been, as Jordan had the ball well above the rim in his right hand before handing it off to his left for the underhanded flip off the glass:
Nevertheless, White's showman-like acrobatic hand switch and finish in the Bulls' 118-110 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies present a highlight-worthy aerial act in its own right.
Have a look at the Coby White bucket, extending Chicago's lead to 99-95 with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter:
The electrifying 23-year-old finished the contest with 20 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, shooting 6-for-12 from the field, 2-for-3 from downtown, and 6-for-6 at the line.
Through 52 Bulls games this season — yes, White has played and started in all of them — the Goldsboro, N.C., native and UNC basketball treasure is posting career-high averages with his 19.4 points, 4.7 boards, and 5.2 dimes per outing.
Chicago (25-27) next heads farther south to face the Orlando Magic (28-24), including their former one-and-done Tar Heel in reserve guard Cole Anthony, at 7 p.m. ET Saturday.
Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more updates on NBA Tar Heels and other UNC basketball news.