Freshman Lanie Grant puts on a show for Michael Jordan's alma mater in Jumpman Invitational
North Carolina Tar Heels freshman Lanie Grant came off the bench to post 13 points to help UNC defeat Florida in the Jumpman Invitational on Wednesday. The 5-foot-9 guard shot 5 of 10 from the field and 3 of 7 from the 3-point line alongside four rebounds and three steals for the second-best performance of the night. Senior Maria Gakdeng dropped a team-high 14 points and eight rebounds.
WSLAM posted Grant's highlight mix from the game, showcasing her quick jump-shooting and ability to create offense on the go.
"UNC is in good hands. Freshman guard Lanie Grant is a bucket 🥶 @jumpman23 #JumpmanInvitational #JordanPartner," the post read.
Grant posted her career-high 15 points (27 minutes) against Ball State on Nov. 23. However, the Jumpman Invitational performance is the freshman's best yet since it only took her 18 minutes of action to post 13 points.
Most of Lanie Grant's points came in the first half. She sank a pair of triples in the last two minutes of the first quarter. She started the second stretch with a hot hand and sank two more buckets, entering double-digit scoring for the second time this season.
The Jumpman Invitational is an annual basketball showcase that began in 2022, organized by Michael Jordan's Jordan Brand. Usually held in December, the event typically features MJ's alma mater Tar Heels and other notable programs in both men's and women's basketball.
Why did Lanie Grant reclassify to join the Tar Heels this season?
Lanie Grant entered the college basketball circuit as one of the youngest players in Division I. She committed to the Tar Heels when she was just 14-years-old, even before she stepped into her first high school game.
Initially, Grant was supposed to join North Carolina in 2025. However, things changed after UNC coach Courtney Banghart saw the 5-foot-9 high school junior drop 40 points in the Virginia State Championship game. Banghart shot a text to Grant's mom, citing that the program could use her daughter's talents right away.
"I literally texted her mom and said, 'Your kid can help us right now,' That's all I said," Banghart said.
There onwards, Grant reclassified within two days to join North Carolina this summer. She entered the 2024 talent class as a five-star recruit and ranked no. 59, according to ESPN's HoopGurlz.