UNC Junior Forward J.P. Tokoto Heads For NBA

Roy Williams was hoping for no surprise departures heading into next season. So much for that.

In a shocking announcement, UNC junior forward J.P. Tokoto told Yahoo! Sports Wednesday that he has elected to forgo his senior year at Carolina and instead, declare for the NBA Draft.

Tokoto, an All-ACC first-team defender for the Tar Heels, says he won’t initially sign with an agent, giving him the opportunity to withdraw from the June draft prior to the April 26 early entry deadline. But regardless, Tokoto’s intentions are clear – to play in the NBA next season.

With a first round pick looking highly unlikely, the decision becomes all the more surprising.

“Going in, I know I’m not a first-round pick,” Tokoto says. “I know my jumper needs work, and I’m putting in that work now – and will keep doing it. My jumper is something that has me as a second-round pick right now, but I have a mindset of work to improve the form and range of my shot.”

Widely regarded as one of the best athletes in the ACC, Tokoto struggled at times, with his turnovers and jump shots.

“I know that my athleticism, my ability to finish in the open floor and especially my defense, getting deflections, making it hard on offensive players, those are things that [teams] will see right away from me,” Tokoto says.

Carolina was projected to be a preseason top-five team going into next season with every starter returning to action, but Tokoto says leaving Chapel Hill will give him the best chance to develop his game.

“I feel like there can be a lot more to me as a player, more than just the defensive player who can occasionally dunk the ball,” Tokoto says. “I know I can be so much more, but I’m not sure that I’m pushed to be that much more [in college].

“I want to focus on my game, working with trainers and pro coaches over the summer and next year. I think that’ll give me the best chance to grow than staying in school and being that player that fit into the mold of my first three years [at Carolina].”