The California Summer League has become a proving ground for young talent, and this year three former UNC standouts are making their mark.
RJ Davis, now with the San Antonio Spurs, opened his stint with a 15‑point outing, hitting his three‑point shots cleanly, only to see a dip in his second appearance where he posted just two points and turned the ball over three times. He answered in the third game, starting and scoring 18 points while his team posted a +11 margin when he was on the floor.
Drake Powell, assigned to the Brooklyn Nets, struggled with his shooting, going 1‑for‑17 from the field, yet managed to pull down 12 rebounds across two games, showing his impact on the glass.
Cormac Ryan, on a one‑year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, earned a start and delivered 13 points, hinting at the opportunities that could await him in the upcoming Las Vegas showcase.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
The league’s structure, featuring three main summer circuits, gives teams a concentrated window to assess players before the regular season, and the performances in California are being closely watched as a barometer for future roster decisions.