Chapel Hill, N.C. – Former UNC star and two‑time NBA All‑Star Antawn Jamison is back on campus this semester, not in a basketball uniform but as a visiting professor of the practice in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
Jamison, who spent 16 seasons in the NBA and later worked as a television analyst and front‑office executive for the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards, will co‑teach MEJO 206, a sports communication class, alongside distinguished associate professor Livis Freeman. The course gives students a behind‑the‑scenes look at the sports industry, drawing on Jamison’s experience as a player, analyst and executive.
From the court to the classroom
“First day I was a little nervous. ‘These kids don’t know who I am.’ They don’t want to hear me talk, but it’s been smooth,” Jamison said of his first class. He added that he relies on his own experiences, encouraging students to ask questions and absorb as much information as possible.
The class also featured a familiar face: former Tar Heel great Tyler Hansbrough, who previously served as a visiting professor and co‑taught the same course, joined as a guest speaker.
Why it matters for students and the community
Jamison’s goal is to translate the lessons he learned on the court and in NBA front offices into practical insight for the next generation of sports professionals. “I want to give students a look at the sports industry beyond the court,” he explained.
His presence underscores UNC’s commitment to blending academic rigor with real‑world expertise, a model that benefits both students and the broader Chapel Hill community. Local businesses and sports organizations stand to gain from a pipeline of graduates who understand both the media and operational sides of athletics.
Jamison’s legacy at UNC
Jamison’s ties to the university run deep. He was the unanimous National Player of the Year in 1998, earned first‑team All‑ACC honors as a freshman, sophomore and junior, and helped lead the Tar Heels to consecutive ACC Tournament championships and Final Four appearances in 1997 and 1998. In three seasons he scored 1,974 points and grabbed 1,027 rebounds, and his jersey now hangs in the Dean Smith Center.
After a distinguished NBA career that included All‑Star selections in 2005 and 2008 and a total of 20,042 career points, Jamison transitioned to broadcasting and scouting before moving into front‑office roles. He is one of only eight UNC men’s basketball players to have his jersey retired.
Looking ahead
Students in MEJO 206 can expect a curriculum that blends theory with practice, covering topics such as sports media ethics, branding, athlete representation and the business of professional leagues. With Jamison’s firsthand perspective, the class aims to prepare graduates for careers in sports journalism, public relations, agency work and beyond.
UNC’s Hussman School welcomes the addition of a former professional athlete to its faculty, reinforcing the university’s tradition of leveraging alumni expertise to enrich the educational experience for local students.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
