[Johnny KilroyParticipant]

http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040611aab.html

April 6, 2011

 

 

CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina forwards John Henson and Tyler Zeller will return to college and play basketball for the Tar Heels in 2011-12.

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.

 

John Henson

"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," says 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."

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

Hopefully he declares, he could realisticly still be in contention for the 1st overall pick. I think he is the 2nd best prospect behing Derrick Williams, and could fit into any of the Top 5 lottery teams perfectly.

[tarheel2k14Participant]

I am a Carolina student and fan, but I truly believes if he comes back for one more year he can improve his game.  He needs to work on ball handling and getting into the lane before he’s the total package.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

If your Barnes, you can go pro. He should go, learning to attack the lane, as well as ball handling can be improved at the next level.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Just look at guys like Gerald Henderson, Demar Derozan, and Wesley Matthews they had the exact same issue with ball handling and in some regards first step and improved drastically. I mostly want Barnes to go into the draft ensuring at least 4 very good prospects will enter..Kyrie, Derrick, Harrison, and Enes. Barnes would be able to become a much better college player if he stays for one year, but he can still become very good going pro. Top 5 no matter what if he declares is also a pretty good deal.

[sheltwon3Participant]

I hope Barnes returns because lately second year players have had more success out the gate than first year.  I think the added year will help him solify his position as top 3 and he will come in ready to make a lot of noise plus the lockout seem certain.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 I’m really mad Henson is coming back to college I was excited to see him get drafted high because of his insanse length.  John Henson is going to be a really good defensive player for a long time.  John Henson got the type of talent, where if he came out next year with 15 pounds and a jumpshot is a top 3 pick.

[PaulsJayhawksParticipant]

Great point with those players. Derozan was even less ready and had developed the bounce nicely. He’s top 4 this year if goes, next year who knows with rivers, gilchrest, davis, sullinger and others.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 I doubt he would have played much as a rookie if he came out.  He would be too raw on offense and too skinny to warrant playing time in the NBA.

[IknoBall12Participant]

to me hes nothing but another Brandan wright. No real position just out there for the hell of it. and as for barnes i hope he leaves becuz the guy can flat out hoop and showed towards the end of the year hes foun dhis niche at the college level and can be unstoppable at times. He jus needs 2 get someone to teach him how and when to take over. and trust me with all the talent at UNC barnes roy williams for dam sure cant teach him to take over and manage all his other talents on the team. plus itd be good for barnes to leave so then it would balance out the rivalry against my dukies a little better. haha

[thatdude44Participant]

Man if goes back to school, UNC will be scary good. As far next years draft it could become another 03′ class with how deep it could end up being.

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