April 5, 2005

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina coach Roy Williams expects guard Rashad McCants to forgo his senior season to enter the NBA draft.

"I think Rashad told people last night he was going to go; we had that discussion as early as first of the semester, as early as January, knowing at that time is was probably going to happen," Williams said at a news conference Tuesday in St. Louis, where he accepted the national championship trophy.

McCants had 14 points, two rebounds and an assist in the 75-70 win over Illinois on Monday night. For the season, he averaged 16 points, three rebounds and nearly three assists.

The Tar Heels returned to Chapel Hill for a victory celebration with fans in the Smith Center on Tuesday afternoon. McCants addressed the crowd, but gave no indication he planned to head for the NBA early.

"It's going to be great to look up in the stands and see 2005 national champions (on a banner)," he said. "Let's see if we can make it in 2006."

Players were unavailable for further comment after the event, which drew about 15,000 fans.

North Carolina is definitely losing seniors Jawad Williams, Jackie Manuel and Melvin Scott.

Roy Williams alluded to other non-seniors on the team who could go pro in his remarks in St. Louis.

"Raymond (Felton), he and I sat down before the season started and said we would have a discussion once the season was over," Williams said. "Marvin (Williams), I've heard him say that he'd really love to stay, but he and I are going to sit down and talk. Sean (May) has said publicly he is coming back, but we'll sit down and talk there as well."