Swish. That was the sound of what was supposed to be the game winning shot made by North Carolina point guard Marcus Paige. It was an unorthodox double clutch shot in mid air that sank through the basketball hoop. Fans dressed in baby blue celebrated in what they thought was a sure win.
Then Kris Dunn happened.
The Villanova Wildcats found a way to throw a screen pass which left Kris open for an NBA range three that sank through the hoop and sank the hearts of ACC blue bloods everywhere.
Fast forward to now. Marcus was drafted 55th in the NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets then traded to the Utah Jazz. After fighting to make the roster he was put on the D-League Jazz affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. Freshly removed from their old Boise location as the Idaho Stampede, the Stars serve as the goal of the Jazz to strengthen their relationship with D-League players who hopefully will blossom into future Jazz players.
Marcus has thrived in his role as the floor general in Salt Lake City. On November 23rd, he scored twenty two points against the Texas Legends. His three point shot was splashing in just like it did in NRG Stadium in Houston Texas on April 4, 2016.
The Paige Master hopes to have the ball with his hands in NBA clutch situations. He has a longer road to travel than other Tar Heel greats like Michael Jordan, but the D-League world is his opportunity to shine.