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

Matt Able Speaks Further On NBA Draft Decision As Withdrawal Deadline Nears
As the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline approaches, Matt Able continues to test the waters at the professional level. On Tuesday, Able worked out in front...
Wed May 20, 2026

UNC, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan, UConn in discussions with blue blood-laden college basketball event
College basketball's next huge regular-season event is in the works and, if it materializes as planned, will give the sport another massive must-see attraction. The...
Wed May 20, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Matt Able's Pro Day Comments, Yann Kamagate's Recruitment
UNC Basketball faces uncertainty as Matt Able’s NBA draft decision looms. Isaac Schade discusses Able’s revealing Pro Day comments, what his potential departure means for...
Wed May 20, 2026

Matt Able has 'two great options' as he weighs staying in NBA Draft vs. playing at UNC
Matt Able said playing for UNC vs. staying in the NBA Draft comes down to what he hears about where he would be drafted and...
Wed May 20, 2026