Harrison Barnes' "Black Falcon" nickname came from ESPN
Posted Jan 28, 2011
How did UNC freshman Harrison Barnes get ‘The Black Falcon’ as a nickname? Credit ESPN. “When I was at the Jordan Game, myself, Jared Sullinger, and Kyrie Irving got a tour of ESPN,’’ Barnes said today. “ They gave us [each] nicknames. “I said I wanted mine to be an animal, because Michael Jordan was the ‘Black Cat’ and Kobe was the ‘Black Mamba,’” Barnes said. “And they just gave me the ‘Black Falcon.’
(Raleigh News & Observer)
Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting
Michael Malone Set for First Official Game as UNC Basketball Head CoachWelcome to the Michael Malone era of UNC Basketball. The 2026-27 Tar Heels officially tip off their regular season on Monday when they host Western...
Mon Nov 2, 2026Podcast: UNC vs. Miami Recap, Men's & Women's Basketball Previews, Olympic Sports Update
The Ultimate Tar Heel Podcast, Episode 28: Football coaches get an A, Billy Edwards was a star, officiating was unacceptable, need to switch conferences, Men's...
Mon Nov 2, 2026
Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball Season Begins, Recruiting Wins
UNC Basketball hosts Western Carolina on Monday. Meanwhile, Michael Malone landed his first elite high school recruit in DeMarcus Henry, a monumental start to UNC's...
Mon Nov 2, 2026
Lucas: A Fast Learner
Sayon Keita played 80 combined minutes in UNC's three preseason games. And there is no doubt which one of those minutes was his favorite. With...
Mon Nov 2, 2026