Joel Berry, Theo Pinson Join Tony Bradley in Testing NBA Draft Process

UNC officially confirmed Monday morning that juniors Joel Berry and Theo Pinson–as well as freshman Tony Bradley–will each put their names into the NBA Draft process following Sunday’s deadline for underclassmen to declare.

None of the three players have hired an agent, however, leaving the door open for any of them to return after receiving evaluations.

“We fully support our players taking this step of being evaluated by NBA teams to see where they stand in relation to the Draft,” head coach Roy Williams said. “All three players have options to do what is best for their careers and going through the evaluation process helps them make the best decision available to each of them.”

The Most Outstanding Player at the 2017 Final Four, Berry averaged 14.7 points per game this past season–while leading the team in assists, steals and three-point percentage.

He is currently ranked as the No. 86 best prospect by DraftExpress.com, meaning he is not likely to be drafted unless it’s late in the second round.

Pinson missed 19 games last season with foot and ankle injuries, but the 6-foot-6 wing has made a name for himself with his versatility.

Having played nearly every position on the floor for the Tar Heels–including center–Pinson’s been able to showcase his fantastic athleticism, playmaking ability and defensive skills. He’s struggled, however, to find consistency with his jump shot.

Last offseason, Justin Jackson–a potential lottery pick who has already hired an agent–faced similar criticism before testing the draft process.

Jackson ultimately took the feedback he received back to college with him. He worked on his jumper, became the best player on a championship-winning team and saw his draft stock skyrocket.

Bradley, meanwhile, is widely projected as a first-round pick should he decide to stay in the draft.

Although the 6-foot-10 forward averaged just 7.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in limited minutes as a freshman, NBA scouts love his enormous 7-foot-4-inch wingspan and penchant for hitting the offensive glass.

The Florida native became the first player in Tar Heel history to grab at least 150 rebounds, with more of them coming on the offensive end (98) than the defensive end.