CHAPEL HILL — Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Kendall Marshall are leaving North Carolina and will enter the NBA draft, the school announced in a statement on Thursday.
Barnes, a forward, and Marshall, a point guard, are both foregoing their final two years of eligibility. Henson is leaving the Tar Heels, meanwhile, after his junior season.
In addition to senior Tyler Zeller, Barnes, Henson and Marshall were most responsible for the Tar Heels’ success during the 2011-12 season. UNC fell short of its goal of winning a national championship, but the Tar Heels finished 32-6, won the ACC regular season championship and reached the NCAA tournament Midwest regional finals.
“It’s a great day for three youngsters who are taking another step toward their ultimate goal of playing professional basketball,” UNC coach Roy Williams said in a statement. “On a very small stage, it’s a sad day for me because I won’t get to coach them again. All Tar Heel fans will miss them greatly, as well.”
The announcement comes four days after the Tar Heels ended their season with an 80-67 loss against Kansas in the Midwest regional final in St. Louis. UNC lost while Marshall sat on the bench, sidelined by the broken right wrist he suffered in a victory against Creighton in the third round of the NCAA tournament.
Comments
Not unexpected. Heels will
Fri, 03/30/2012 - 12:38 — unc098Not unexpected. Heels will be smaller,faster,sharp shooting from the perimeter and quick on D. This upcoming team has loads of potential. They won't be the rebounding machine they were this year,but with plenty of desire and good shooting they will be fine and fun to watch.