ÐÔÊӽ紫ý

However, the former UNC guard joined the Herd That team last year and immediately became an integral piece to its success in The Basketball Tournament.

Tokoto returned to the Marshall-based alumni team in 2024 and credits last year’s relationships as a reason why he came back.

“It wasn’t just playing in the TBT, but it was the people that are involved and connected to this group,� Tokoto said. “The treatment that I got last year, being a new guy and having to assimilate myself, was probably one of the best places I’ve been.

“I spent three weeks with these guys and, in a short amount of time, built friendships and relationships that are going to carry the rest of my life.�

Herd That guard Jon Elmore was happy to share the floor with Tokoto again.

“That was one of our [top] priorities this year, which was bringing him back,� Elmore said. “He had a great time last year and played super-well for us. When it ended, with everyone down, he was ready to do it again this year. ... He’s a guy that helps you win a lot of games.�

Herd That fell to Heartfire last year in the TBT semifinals in Philadelphia, 73-68.

Tokoto led all scorers with 27 points in the defeat.

“We were able to win games by sticking together and knowing we got each other’s backs,� he said. “We have guys that will get after it. We have guys that can defend at each position, which is going to go a long way.�

Tokoto spent the 2023-24 season playing professionally in Israel for Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan.

He averaged 11.3 points, nearly a four-point increase per game from the year before. He shot 48% from the floor, including 29% from long distance.

“I’ve been shooting a lot better and more,� Tokoto said. “Since I came home from the season, I’ve been focusing on my jump shot and extending my range. I’ve always had the midrange. That’s always been a part of my game, but I really want to add the 3-point shot. That’s going to open my game up and open up shots for others.�

While Tokoto was playing, Hamas, a Palestinian terror group, attacked more than 20 Israeli communities.

“It was a building process through the whole season, even with the adversity of not knowing what’s going on with the war and what’s going to happen the next game,� Tokoto said. “I was playing the five position for half the season, and we were winning games.�

Tokoto finished his career as a Tar Heel with 722 points, 469 rebounds, 292 assists and 128 steals in 107 games, with 67 of them being starts.

The Illinois native left Chapel Hill, North Carolina, following the 2014-15 season and was selected in the second round of the NBA draft with the 58th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tokoto is appreciative of the influence then-Heels coach Roy Williams had on his life.

“He’s been an integral part of my development, not just as a player but as a person first,� Tokoto said. “When I say he’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had, I truly stand by it. He treated me as a grandson, as he did his other players as well. Coach Williams taught me a lot of different things that I’ve taken with me out of school and into my life.�