The Longhorns defeated the Tarheels last night 78-75, and while that loss provided a bitter end to a season filled with ups and downs, what transpires over the next few months could shape the course of the Tarheel program over the next few years.
In particular, guards Raymond Felton and Rashad McCants and F/C Sean May could all forego their last two years of college eligibility and turn pro. There is also the possibility that two Tarheel recruits may not make it to Chapel Hill. Marvin Williams, a 6'9" forward from Washington state is still entertaining the idea of going pro (29 ppg, 16 rpg). JamesOn Curry, who holds the NC state scoring record, was arrested in February on 6 drug-related felony charges (37 ppg, 7 rpg, and 5.5 apg). Roy Williams has yet to decide on whether he will still offer Curry a scholarship. The two other players comprising the class of 2004 include 6'5" swingman J.R. Smith (25 ppg, 7 rpg), and point guard Quentin Thomas (18 ppg, 9 apg).
Some good news however, is that Rashad McCants and Sean May have made it known recently that they have no intentions of leaving this year. In fact McCants has gone so far as to say that he wants to be a Tarheel for four years. That coupled with the fact that his sister will be playing at UNC next year should allow Roy Williams to sleep a little easier. Sean May described as "a lie" the rumor that he planned on turning pro after this season.
"I hope -- I hope -- that no one makes that decision and tries to go early, because no one on this team is ready for that next level...I would say the same thing for almost everybody in this league; this league is really young, and guys [have] got a lot to learn. I think that's the problem with the NBA is that everyone's trying to go so early just because everyone's trying to make the money so fast."Ray Felton might be a different story however. He has said on more than one occasion that if he's a top ten pick he'll seriously consider leaving college for the NBA. There are some that believe he'll be back because although he started the season strong, he seemed to slump the last 15 games or so and that may have been due to the number of minutes he played and the responsibility he felt to carry this team. This could be an indication that at least physically Felton may need another year in college.
There had also been some talk at the beginning of the season that Jawad Williams might declare for the draft, but after a solid (but not spectacular) junior season, I'd be hard-pressed to believe that Williams would be a first round pick and could only strengthen his draft position by coming back for his senior season.
If by chance, everyone returns for next season and all incoming freshman make it to campus unscathed (by the draft or the law), the Tarheels will undoubtedly be a top ten team, with both experienced leaders and young talent coming off the bench. There is however, still the question of a big man in the middle that would allow Sean May to move to his more comfortable position of power forward. As of yet, Roy Williams has no true center coming in, but depending on what happens over the next few months (and if anyone decides to declare for the draft), some scholarships may be available and a center may be signed. Until then, I'll keep my fingers crossed in the hopes that everyone makes it back for at least one more season.
Update:
Monday's Raleigh News & Observer has a story on what (and who) Roy Williams expects from his team going into next year. Apparently Roy expects everyone back, and for the most part, so do the players.
