GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Two former ACC stars have joined the Charlotte Hornets, and Wednesday, both stopped by WFMY News 2 to talk basketball and much more.
Former UNC guard Marcus Paige signed a two-way contract with the Hornets this offseason. The deal means Paige will spend time playing for the Hornets and the team's G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.
Paige says he's excited to be back in North Carolina and to play in front of UNC fans once again.
"It'll be cool, four years worth of [fans] cheering me on was great in school and everything," Paige said. "To know that they're still supporting me in my professional career and might get a chance to come out and see me, whether it's in Charlotte or Greensboro, will be very exciting. Obviously, Carolina meant a lot to me."
Paige's new teammate Mangok Mathiang also signed a two-way deal with the Hornets. Mathiang is in his rookie season after playing at Louisville.
Mathiang's journey to the NBA has been a long one. His family fled Sudan when he was 5 years old, and he didn't start playing basketball until he was 16.
Now, he's in the NBA.
"You know, I'm just enjoying every moment," he said. "What I've been through, and what I had to do to actually be here. I've been through a lot, so just being here and being here with you guys is something special."
Check out the full interviews with Paige and Mathiang in the attached videos.