Lucas: Family Steps Forward

By Adam Lucas

Justin Jackson doesn't want you to miss the point.

Jackson, a 2017 Carolina national champion who is currently in the NBA-created bubble at Walt Disney World preparing for the season restart, was discussing the program's Black Lives Matter video released last week when it was mentioned to him that it was impressive that such a wide array of players responded quickly and passionately to participate in the project.

"It truly shows that we have a family," Jackson said. "That's what happens when so many players who haven't played together or in some cases may not have even met each other can come together to make such a powerful video. But the bigger point is that so many white and Black players did it. The only way for change is for everyone to come together."

Like Jackson, 2009 national champion Danny Green has a wide perspective. Green, also in the NBA bubble with the Los Angeles Lakers, grew up in New York, spent four years in Chapel Hill, played briefly in Cleveland before spending seven seasons in Texas with the Spurs, and now is with the Lakers. He also spent a title-winning season in Canada with the Raptors and has international pro experience, so he brings a global viewpoint.

If anything, that wide lens has deepened Green's connection to Carolina basketball.

"We know Coach Williams, and we know what he's about," Green said. "The whole collegiate level knows what he's about. It said a lot that he was willing to show the world it's about a bigger picture at Carolina. A lot of people say a lot of different things, but that doesn't mean the players back you or that everyone is together. I felt like that video showed our program is about all of our communities, the families everyone comes from, and the players."

Say it with us ➡ Black Lives Matter. pic.twitter.com/JrEdvqjncx
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) July 6, 2020

Williams would freely admit he's not the most technologically savvy person in the basketball office. The last four months, when the pandemic has limited his ability to simply hop on a plane to visit his former players at outposts around the country—as he did with a visit to Coby White in Chicago in November—have been frustrating to the head coach.

But he doesn't have to be. The trio of Kendall Marshall, Sean May and Eric Hoots have done a very effective job of ensuring the Carolina family extends to the virtual world. That's true both in ways that are obvious to the public (on Twitter and Instagram) but also those that are less visible (there's a group WhatsApp chat that is active both for updates on Tar Heel game results and stats, but also larger world issues and how they impact the players and the program).

"When you watch that video, I think it's amazing to see everyone of all colors and cultures from every North Carolina championship team be unified during this time," Green said. "We're all different. But for Coach to allow us to use his platform and the program's platform and the school's platform to speak out is so special."

Don't expect the video to be a one-time production. There's unanimous agreement among the coaching staff, current players and former players that they want to continue to be part of the discussion.

"We're all still learning," Green said. "And Coach Williams has made it clear that he is completely behind us. We've always said we completely support him. We've always known that vice versa is also true because of his actions, but he's shown again over these last few months that he supports what we're going through, and he wants to be part of it with us."

Players Mentioned

Coby White

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