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"I want what is best for each individual and each individual player is different and has different factors to consider,'' said Williams, adding that he had contacted more than half of the NBA teams -- more than any other season -- to gather information.

Hansbrough averaged 22.6 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Tar Heels, who finished 36-3.

Ellington, the starting shooting guard and second-leading scorer, averaged 16.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. Lawson, a speedy point guard and third-leading scorer, averaged 12.7 points and 5.15 assists, despite missing seven games with two ankle injuries.

Whether they stay or go, the Tar Heels will also add three McDonald's All Americans to the mix next season.

Incoming forwards Tyler Zeller and Ed Davis will join Hansbrough, Deon Thompson and Alex Stepheson on one of the deepest frontcourts in the country. Point guard Larry Drew will join a backcourt that includes junior point guard Bobby Frasor, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in November and is expected to make a full recovery in time for next season.

CBS Sports analyst Dan Bonner said that the Tar Heels are at their best when a healthy Lawson is handling the ball and the sharpshooting Ellington is connecting from the perimeter. But even if those two choose not to return, UNC will be a top-10 team because Hansbrough will be there.

He's still the most important piece of a title run.

"I just think Hansbrough is a different part of the equation; he's a big guy that does so many things for you, makes everyone play harder, makes everyone better,'' Bonner said. "He's not the kind of the big guy who's going to be totally ineffective if he has an inexperienced [point guard] throw him the ball. He's going to find a way to get the ball, and they'll find a way to get it to him ... and other teams are still going to have to find a way to stop him."

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