North Carolina forwards John Henson and Tyler Zeller will both return to North Carolina next season, boosting the Tar Heels’ chances of challenging for their second national championship in four years.
Henson, a sophomore from Tampa, Fla., and Zeller, a junior from Washington, Ind., were each second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selections in 2011.
Freshman forward Harrison Barnes is still reviewing information about the possibility of declaring for the NBA Draft. If he opts to return the Heels could be the preseason No. 1 team in some people’s eyes.
“I want to come back to school next year because I enjoy all aspects of being a college student and I truly love being a Tar Heel,” says Henson. “We had a fun and successful season, but we all want to improve on what we accomplished. I know at some point I want to play in the NBA, but right now I want to enjoy my college life. My teammates and coaches are great and I want to help them reach the big dreams we all share.”
“I came to Carolina because it had the balance of academics and basketball I wanted and it was the best place for me to prepare for life and a career in the NBA,” says Zeller. “That’s exactly what we have here. I want to finish my college career, compete for championships and graduate on time. That means a lot to my family and me. Plus, I know I can get stronger and improve my all-around game with another year. We had a great season getting to the Elite Eight, but I would like a chance at going out with another title.”
“John and Tyler certainly considered their options, but in the end it came down to how much they enjoyed not only college basketball, but being part of the collegiate experience both on and off the court,” head coach Roy Williams. “I spoke to about 10 NBA teams on their behalf and gave them that information, but their individual decisions are less about the NBA and more about what they wanted to do right now and the experiences they are enjoying at the University of North Carolina.
“Harrison is not as far along in his decision-making process as were Tyler and John. I am still gathering information on him from NBA teams and hope to provide him with all of that information by the end of next week.”
HUBERT TO VISIT TAR HEELS THIS WEEKEND
The Tar Heels could add still more frontcourt depth if 6-9 New Egypt (N.J.) forward Desmond Hubert ends up committing.
Hubert will visit Carolina beginning Friday and could decide between the Heels and Maryland soon after.
“I’m still Maryland or North Carolina,” Hubert said Sunday in Houston after posting nine points and five boards for the East in the All-American Championship. “Im just trying to get an official done to North Carolina. They get up and down. They play the way I like to play.”
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