News & Observer | newsobserver.com | State loses Hickson; UNC still waiting

Published: Jun 16, 2008 12:30 AM
Modified: Jun 16, 2008 05:32 AM

State loses Hickson; UNC still waiting

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N.C. State's J.J. Hickson will be a one-and-done college basketball player, but three North Carolina regulars on Sunday continued to mull their options for the June 26 NBA Draft.

Hickson, the top player for the Wolfpack as a freshman low-post player in 2007-08, announced Sunday that he had signed with an agent and would remain in the draft, thereby ending his collegiate eligibility.

Three Carolina underclassmen -- rising senior wingman Danny Green and junior guards Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson -- are expected to make decisions today after meetings with Tar Heels coach Roy Williams.

Green said Friday that his plans were to reach a decision Sunday, but he delayed his call when a scheduled conference with Williams was switched to today.

"After that I'll decide," Green said Sunday. "I still can't say which way I'll go."

Efforts to reach Ellington and Lawson were unsuccessful.

Williams, through a school spokesman, announced that he would have no comment on the players' status until after today's meetings. The coach was in Omaha, Neb., on Sunday to watch the Carolina baseball team face Louisiana State in an opening-round College World Series game.

Players have until 5 p.m. today to withdraw from the NBA Draft and maintain their college eligibility.

The Wolfpack's Hickson said several days ago that he probably would stay in the draft pool.

"Getting to the NBA has always been a dream of mine," Hickson said in an N.C. State news release Sunday. "I want to thank Coach [Sidney] Lowe and everybody associated with N.C. State for all that they have done for me."

Lowe, in the same news release, expressed optimism about Hickson's future as a professional.

"After going through several workouts with NBA teams, J.J. received very positive feedback and feels this is a great opportunity for him to be drafted," Lowe said. "He had a great season with us last year, and he will always be a part of our Wolfpack family. We are very happy for him and his family."

Hickson, who was an unanimous pick for the ACC all-freshman team, led State with a 14.8-point scoring average and with 8.5 rebounds per game.

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