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

UNC Basketball to play West Virginia at Vitale Invitational in Charlotte
North Carolina will play West Virginia in men’s basketball next season in Charlotte, according to a report from Rocco Miller of Field of 68. The...
Thu May 14, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Kevin Thomas Commits To UNC Basketball, Matt Able's NBA Decision
UNC Basketball got a commitment Wednesday from class of 2026 4-star wing Kevin Thomas. Matt Able had a nice performance at the NBA Draft Combine...
Thu May 14, 2026

Former Tar Heel Guard Brandon Robinson Joining UNC Basketball Staff
New North Carolina head basketball coach Michael Malone is adding yet another Tar Heel national champion to his staff. Brandon Robinson, who played under Roy...
Thu May 14, 2026

With 2026-27 Rosters Mostly Settled, an Early Glance at ACC Basketball Contenders
Peeking ahead at the 2026-27 basketball season, among the 18 teams in the ACC, a whopping eight return only one or two scholarship players from...
Thu May 14, 2026