NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of South Carolina of last decade

4. Brice Johnson – North Carolina

It’s not a surprise to see talented 4-star prospects landing at North Carolina and Johnson certainly fit that mold. A 6’9 power forward from Orangeburg, he made the trek just north to play for Roy Williams and Tar Heels, arriving on campus way back in 2012. After a pair of seasons mostly spent as bench player, Johnson was an important and impactful piece during his upperclassman years, including a very memorable senior season.

Even off the bench as a sophomore, Johnson scored 10.3 points a game in limited minutes and grew into an important role for the Tar Heels. By his senior year, he was a principle contributor, averaging 17.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Among his best performances was a 39-point, 23-rebound effort at Florida State and an 18-point, 21-rebound performance in a road win at Duke. That senior year saw North Carolina win the ACC Tournament and advance all the way to the national title game, with Johnson contributing three double-doubles during their run.

Johnson’s impressive senior campaign saw him named a First Team All-American, while also earning his second straight All-ACC honor. He was a vital part of the Tar Heels’ success, leading that team all the way on the brink of a national championship. He led the ACC in both field goal percentage and rebounding and was one of the most utilized and efficient players in the entire nation. A first-round draft pick the following summer, Johnson has bounced around in his professional career, most recently playing overseas in Japan.