The decision by Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington to leave UNC for the NBA frees up a scholarship for the Tar Heels next season.
UNC coach Roy Williams, who has contacted Raleigh super recruit John Wall, didn't say if he would add another recruit to his star-studded five-man class.
"We'll have to wait and see what happens with it," Williams said.
Now, Williams can't mention a recruit by name, but if he was not pursuing Wall, he could have said definitively he was done with the class of 2009. His answer left the door open for another chapter in the three-ring circus that is Wall's recruitment — started by N.C. State, later joined by Duke and the rest of the free world.
Even if UNC's dalliance with Wall never gets past the phone stage, Williams has what is considered the best recruiting haul in the country. The Heels have signed power forward John Henson (ranked No. 4 in the country by Scout.com), shooting guard Dexter Strickland (No. 33), forward David Wear (No. 54), forward Travis Wear (No. 55) and shooting guard Leslie McDonald (No. 52).
All but McDonald, ironically, were McDonald's All-Americans.
But Wall's a point guard, the only missing piece from the recruiting class. Larry Drew II, who'll be a sophomore, is the only true point guard on the roster. Wing Marcus Ginyard could also be used to run the offense.
Comments
Player Development
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 10:50 — heelsno1To serve his long-term interests, Wall should select a university that has a recent history for developing point guards into ultra-elite status.
Here is how I see it...Ty Lawson just won the 2009 Bob Cousy Award as the best point guard in collegiate basketball. He clearly improved as a player and team leader under the guidance and direction of Coach Roy Williams and his staff. So did Raymond Felton before him on UNC's 2005 national championship team.
In his 2009 senior year, Greg Paulus moved from Duke's starting point guard to reserve status for Coach K. Paulus handled this demotion with great class. Paulus is now seeking a route into the NFL as a quarterback. I hope he makes it. Relative to NC State, at least Coach Lowe played the point position on the Wolfpack's last national championship team, and Lowe played/coached in the NBA. If Wall does not head to Chapel Hill, I hope he lands in Raleigh.
No way he goes to UNC
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 13:44 — novalaw24If player development is the best argument for Wall going to UNC than there is no way he will end up there. It is reported that his mentor/coach has a horrible relationship with Roy Williams. So, for Wall to end up there he would basically have to abandon one of the people who have been there for him since he was a kid. Likely, not going to happen. And UNC is not even the best school for player development. Last I looked Felton wasn't exactly an all-pro player. Wall is going to see up at Kentucky. Cal is going to let him run wild with that program, is going to provide him with the best basketball experiences, and will make him a much better player (see: Derrick Rose)
Get real
Mon, 04/27/2009 - 08:54 — heelsno1Your comments are beyond absurd. Over the last 30+ years, UNC has developed more talent for professional basketball careers than you can count.
Also, it appears that you know little about the role of a valuable point guard. Felton is a top pro...he simply needs more top players around him.
As for Wall, he is old enough to make his own decisions about college. If his mentor/coach yields such influence, then John Wall needs to reevaluate their relationship.
last you looked??
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 21:26 — gvillegatrhave you ever looked?? I doubt it. Raymond Felton is prolly the most under rated PG in the NBA. the guy is money dishing or shooting. go defend some shmuck law man.
The breakdown on the 2009-10
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 08:10 — eskinn44_40The breakdown on the 2009-10 'Heels: 1) WITH John Wall: Probable Final Four participant; possible National Champion. Definitely will continue to dominate the ACC - and Duke; 2) WITHOUT John Wall: Possible Final Four participant; National Title a definite longshot. Probable ACC Champion - though will be challenged. *How would it affect UNC for Wall to end up at Duke or NCSU? At Duke he will elevate a capable team to the level of possible ACC contender. Would Duke automatically jump into the National Title discussion? I don't think so . . . too many other pieces missing. At NCSU, Wall might buy Sydney Lowe another year or two grace period before he gets the boot. With or without Wall, UNC will be fine - for years to come. No disrespect to Dean - it's a completely different game now - but Roy may be embarking on what will one day be viewed as the Golden Era of Carolina Basketball.
This is timid timing
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 02:28 — jeromfitzwith making a simple to decision to play for a college. If I got my mind made up and I'm going to this college without a doubt. First thing I know I can help and they don't say you not going to play. If you're a qualified recruit to play in the NBA, don't bother to talk to the colleges. Just ride the bench while making millions of dollars for a year until you proceed to the win them over. If you want get an education and have fun on a college campus you chose a college that make you the happiest. Don't do it because someone made you do it. Just do it for yourself.
Timid timing Bah Humbug!
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 06:32 — Vegasjoe57Only a rule put in by the NBA would keep Wall from going, which he might squeeze by on due to age.
Otherwise, college is nothing but a non-pay farm system for guys like Wall.
He may benefit from grooming 1 year.
Drew will be fine; Lawson turned the ball over all the time as a freshman.
Re: "Lawson turned the ball over all the time as a freshman."
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 08:05 — melvinfurdAs a freshman Lawson's TO to Assist ratio was 2.57 to 1; as a sophomore it was 2.36 to 1 and as a junior it was 3.48 to 1.
As a freshman Drew's TO to assist ratio was 1.64 to 1.
Reverse that ratio
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 10:10 — HeelsforeverIt's actually "assist to turnover" ratio rather the the other way around.
The drama is just too much to bear.
Thu, 04/23/2009 - 18:57 — JPDOhioI haven't seen anything this bad since Lebron was in high school. I read earlier this week that Wall wants to partake in the "college experience", but so far he doesn't know if he has qualified.
My question is- does any part of that "college experience" include going to class and actually being a student? Haven't heard or read anything about that yet. Of course, that is just a minor inconvenience in the journey to the pros.
Coy my arse
Thu, 04/23/2009 - 15:11 — unc1dmoroy boy better put on his cape and top hat...get on his horse......
..........and pull the John Wall rabbit out of that hat...
because next years team is loaded with front court players....and has an undersized/no shot PG....who is a back up AT BEST.........at this level.....
Did you forget?
Fri, 04/24/2009 - 06:16 — TarheelJayHow is it that a "undersized/no sot PG" won the 3-ball contest at the McDonalds all star game? As a freshman, backing up the ACC player of the year, with a plethora of scoring options, LD II spent his freshman year learning how to run Roy's system. Ty Lawson wasn't a prolific scorer until THIS year. Give Larry a chance, and he will be JUST FINE!