Three North Carolina players, Harrison Barnes, John Henson, and Kendall Marshall, will leave UNC early and enter the draft, the Tar Heels announced today (link via ESPN.com).
"It's a great day for three youngsters who are taking another step toward their ultimate goal of playing professional basketball," coach Roy Williams said in a statement. "On a very small stage, it's a sad day for me because I won't get to coach them again. All Tar Heel fans will miss them greatly, as well."
While Barnes, a sophomore, has the potential to be a top-five pick, Marshall (sophomore) and Henson (junior) are expected to be picked early on June 28th as well. In the latest update to his mock draft, ESPN.com's Chad Ford (Insider link) projected all three Tar Heels to be picked in the top 15 — Barnes seventh, Marshall 12th, and Henson 15th.
No real surprise here. Henson is an incredibly improved player, and if he can add some weight in terms of muscle, he’s going to be a successful big man. Marshall might not be an offensive force, but he knows how to dish an assist. Barnes just goes without saying… Potential is through the roof.
Barnes way too inconsistent, and I felt the tournament really hurt his draft stock. When UNC needs him most he comes up small, not a good sign. I agree with Henson, very nice player, but like Anthony Davis needs some muscle. Marshall i like the best out of the 3, there arent many true PGs in the league right now, you have a bunch of SGs like Westbrook playing the 1. He showed how average that UNC team is without him… they could barely beat Ohio.