Expect UNC basketball players to declare early for the NBA Draft this year.

“I think that some of our guys will try to go to the combine, will declare and not hire an agent,” head coach Roy Williams said. “Then see how they play in the combine and I have no problem with that.”

Williams did not name any specific players he expects to declare, but there are a number of Tar Heels, including Isaiah Hicks, Justin Jackson and Joel Berry, who have pro potential. He said he wants a definitive answer from his players next week.

More players are expected to declare this year than previous years because of a rule change made by the NBA, which allows players to workout with a team and go to the combine without losing their eligibility. The combine is an event hosted by the NBA where potential draft picks get to showcase their skills and meet with team officials

“I think this should be better,” Williams said of the rule changes. “Especially if the NBA does what they say they’re going to do. If they will really be straightforward and honest with the kids and say ‘you’ll probably be top 30 or top 60’ or whatever.”

Previously players had to decide in April whether or not to forgo their remaining years of eligibility. This year, if they don’t hire an agent, underclassmen will have until 10 days after the NBA Draft Combine in May to make their decision. Williams said with the way the new rules are set up, more players should go to the combine.

ESPN reported on Wednesday evening that Jackson is expected to enter the draft and not hire an agent.

Not hiring an agent allows Jackson to go through the process and leave open the option to return to Carolina.

“If you play two minutes a game I don’t think it’s really necessary to do that,” he said. “But if you’re a good college player, why would you not?”

Players taken in the first round get two years of guaranteed money, as opposed to second-round picks or undrafted players who are guaranteed nothing.

“I mean I’ve had an NBA team took one of my players one time said ‘we don’t want anybody, but we had to take somebody,'” he said. “To me you should go to have some guaranteed money. I don’t think anybody should go not really feeling strongly they’re going to be a first-round pick.”

Players have until April 24 to declare and those that don’t hire an agent will have until May 25 to return to school.

Related Stories
‹
High Point Transfer Ivan Matlekovic Commits to UNC Men's Basketball
Head coach Hubert Davis earned a late commitment out of the transfer portal Thursday night, as High Point forward Ivan Matlekovic committed to Davis and the Tar Heels. NEWS: North Carolina has landed a commitment from 6-foot-11 High Point transfer Ivan Matlekovic, his agents @WEAVE tell @On3sports. The Croatian big man adds frontcourt depth for […]
Here's a List of Every Transfer to Join the UNC Men's Basketball Program This Offseason (2025)
Several transfers have announced their intentions to join head coach Hubert Davis and UNC next season. Here’s a list of those incoming players: Ivan Matlekovic – High Point A seven-footer originally from Croatia, Matlekovic played in just five games during his only season with High Point. He joined the Tar Heels late in the offseason, […]
Chansky's Notebook: What Does He Do?
UNC men's basketball general manager Jim Tanner will make more than a million dollars a year for a yet-to-be-announced job description.
Chatham County Honors Pittsboro Native Drake Powell for 2025 NBA Draft Selection
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted a special resolution Monday evening honoring Pittsboro native Drake Powell on his first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Powell was selected with the No. 22 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Brooklyn Nets in June. Powell starred at Pittsboro’s Northwood High School […]
Chansky's Notebook: Newest 5-Star
The buzz is slowly growing about UNC freshman Caleb Wilson, who is a consensus top 10 recruit from the high school class of 2025.
Chansky's Notebook: Draft Crush
UNC joins Michigan and Arizona as the three schools to have at least one athlete picked in the first round of the NFL, NBA and MLB drafts.
Chansky's Notebook: The Second
Bill Chamberlain, who died recently at age 75, was the second African-American scholarship player under UNC head coach Dean Smith.
Chansky's Notebook: The Agent Effect?
When Drake Powell talks about his usage going down from high school ball to college ball at UNC, what exactly did he expect?
Check Out the Complete Schedule for UNC's 'ACC Network Takeover' July 8
The ACC Network will feature 24 hours of Tar Heel highlights from the 2024-25 athletic year Tuesday as part of its annual “ACC Network Takeover.” Programming begins at midnight and lasts through 11:59 p.m. Featured games include the women’s basketball team’s win against No. 10 NC State at Carmichael Arena back in February. Those who […]
‘It’s a Grief Project’: Author Ron Smith Details UNC Basketball History Books
When Ron Smith walked into UNC’s Wilson Library, he wasn’t looking for a passion project. He was looking for a distraction.
›