Memphis Briarcrest Christian coach John Harrington asked basketball star Leslie McDonald four years ago where he would go to college if he could choose anywhere in the world.

McDonald said North Carolina.

The 6-foot-4, 185-pound McDonald said "North Carolina" again Monday when he made a verbal commitment to the Tar Heels.

He is the fifth player in the Class of 2009 to commit to UNC, joining 6-9 twins David Wear and Travis Wear of Santa Ana, Calif.; 6-10 John Henson of Round Rock, Texas; and 6-3 Dexter Strickland of Elizabeth, N.J.

"It was just wishful thinking four years ago," Harrington said. "But for him the dream came true."

Harrington said McDonald picking North Carolina was like a guy who always wanted a red Corvette being offered one.

"He might be considering a BMW or a Mercedes, but then he sees the red Corvette. That's what his heart wants," Harrington said.

"That's the way Leslie is with North Carolina. There was nothing wrong with the other schools, but Leslie just always wanted to go to North Carolina."

McDonald, who visited UNC and Duke last weekend, also had Memphis, Georgetown and Tennessee on his list.

Harrington said Memphis coach John Calipari, whose daughter attends Briarcrest, called at 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

"John said that between North Carolina, Duke and Memphis, Leslie couldn't make a bad pick," Harrington said.

McDonald averaged 21 points and seven rebounds per game during his junior season.

He recently was named Mr. Basketball in Tennessee and was chosen for the Parade All-America team.

He also was named the player of the year in Memphis, an especially prestigious honor this year since 2008 Duke recruit Elliot Williams of Collierville, Tenn., was another top candidate for the award.