North Carolina sophomore forward James Michael McAdoo doesn't consider this a rebuilding year for the Tar Heels. ROBERT WILLETT

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina lost its top four players from a season ago. Harrison Barnes, John Henson, Kendall Marshall and Tyler Zeller all were selected among the top 17 picks in the NBA draft. The Tar Heels lost nearly 70 percent of its scoring and rebounding, and nearly 80 percent of assists.

So it’s not surprise, then, that UNC arrived here in Charlotte at the ACC’s annual media day without the kind of hype and expectations that surrounded the Heels at the start of the past two seasons. Or is it a surprise? Reggie Bullock, the junior guard, said he hasn’t felt any difference without those high expectations.

“I don’t feel like it’s calmer at all,” he said. “I feel like we still have the bulls eye on our back.” 

After a strong end to his freshman season, UNC sophomore James Michael McAdoo expects greater things next season. PHOTO: Ethan Hyman

CHAPEL HILL — Six months ago the questions that surrounded James Michael McAdoo sounded like this:

--Why does he appear so timid?
--What happened to the confidence of a player many thought to be among the best prospects in the nation?
--When will he emerge to become a reliable force for North Carolina?

Now the questions that surround McAdoo sound like this:

--Is he ready to become a leader for the Tar Heels?
--Can he begin his sophomore season the way he ended his freshman season?

McAdoo, the UNC forward, has completely transformed himself during the past six months. And now, on a team that lost its top four players, he says he’s ready to take on an even larger role. That’s the crux of a story I wrote here.

The return of James Michael McAdoo will provide the Tar Heels with some experience in the frontcourt. PHOTO: Ethan Hyman

North Carolina received some disappointing – but not unexpected – news last week, when Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Kendall Marshall all announced they were leaving school to enter the NBA draft. Today, though, the Tar Heels received some good news.

James Michael McAdoo, the freshman forward, is coming back to school. Here’s the story. 

The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA draft is a week away, and N.C. State's C.J. Leslie is still weighing his options, his mother Lisa said Tuesday.

Lisa Leslie said C.J. requested a report from the NBA's draft advisory committee, a group of NBA executives who provide players considering turning pro with a non-binding assessment of their draft status. Those reports are due back to players on Friday, and the Leslies plan to sit down with N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried once that information is in hand.

"Once that's in, we will sit down with the coach," Lisa Leslie said. "We'll go over it and play things out, see what the best option is."

GREENSBORO — Top-seeded North Carolina here on Sunday will play against No. 8 Creighton in the third round of the Midwest regional. First, though, a look back at some things to take away from the Tar Heels’ 77-58 victory against Vermont.

ATLANTA — Top-seeded North Carolina defeated No. 8 Maryland 85-69 in the ACC tournament quarterfinals on Friday here at Philips Arena. The Tar Heels advanced to play No. 5 N.C. State today in the semifinals at 1 p.m.

A look back at UNC’s victory against the Terrapins: 

ATLANTA — Here’s my story off of North Carolina’s 85-69 victory against Maryland today in the ACC tournament quarterfinals. The gist: James Michael McAdoo, the Tar Heels’ freshman forward who lacked confidence earlier this season, is beginning to realize his potential.

More to come.

CHAPEL HILL — No. 3 North Carolina hosts Miami tonight at 9 p.m. at the Smith Center.

While we wait (and wait) for the late tip, consider these three things to watch:

CHAPEL HILL — UNC coach Roy Williams said on Friday that freshman forward James Michael McAdoo is “doubtful” for the Tar Heels’ ACC opener on Saturday against Boston College.