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

Video: IC Podcast - A Very Different ACC Ahead for UNC Basketball
Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina look into the upcoming conference basketball schedule and how a very different ACC awaits the Tar Heels...
Mon Dec 29, 2025

Who’s the best fit at point guard for UNC going forward?
UNC point guard Kyan Evans is averaging just 5.8 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 38% from the field, 30% from beyond the arc, and...
Mon Dec 29, 2025

Video: Hubert Davis Monday Pre-Florida State Press Conference
North Carolina head men's basketball coach Hubert Davis speaks with the media on Monday afternoon ahead of the Tar Heels' ACC opener against the Florida...
Mon Dec 29, 2025

Caleb Wilson Gearing Up For Even More Defensive Attention As ACC Play Starts
North Carolina hosts a 7-6 Florida State squad on Tuesday in what should serve as a warm-up for an improved ACC slate. Caleb Wilson has...
Mon Dec 29, 2025