Tar Heels’ Davis passes on NBA draft

Ed Davis, a former Benedictine star and one of the key players in North Carolina's NCAA tournament championship run, will remain in the Tar Heels' program for at least one more season.

Davis said yesterday, in an announcement released by UNC, that he will return for his sophomore season in the next academic year and will bypass entering this year's NBA draft.

Davis, a 6-10 center, said during the NCAA tournament that he would return to UNC next season but said yesterday he wanted to end any speculation about his immediate plans.

"I love being a student at Carolina and playing with my teammates for Coach [Roy] Williams," Davis said. "I'd like to play in the NBA someday, but my family and I don't think I'm ready to take that step.

"I'm glad this decision is behind me so I can focus on the rest of the school year and get ready to be a better player next season."

Two UNC players who could leave school to enter the draft, guards Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington, both juniors, have not made decisions but will be meeting with Tar Heels coach Roy Williams to discuss their situations.

The NBA does have a solid presence in Davis' family. His father, Terry, played 10 NBA seasons through the 2001 season with the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards.

Davis scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds, UNC's team high, in last Monday's 89-72 win over Michigan State in the nationalchampionship game. After Tyler Zeller, a 7-0 freshman, broke his left wrist in November in the season's second game and missed the next 23 games, Davis became UNC's top inside reserve.

He averaged 6.7 points and 6.6 rebounds for the season. His 65 blocked shots led UNC. By the end of the season, he developed into a consistent scorer inside shooting a left-handed jump hook shot.

In six NCAA tournament wins, he averaged 8.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. He could move into next season's starting lineup to replace either Tyler Hansbrough at center or Danny Green at forward. Both players are seniors, and their UNC careers are over.

Williams said during the tournament that Davis might not become a dominant scorer in future seasons but will be an important player because of defense, shot-blocking and rebounding. Williams does want Davis to build his strength and add weight to his 215-pound body.

"We are ecstatic with Ed's and his family's decision to remain at North Carolina," Williams said. "I truly enjoy coaching him.

"We always try to recommend what is best for each individual young man. Ed's family and I did discuss his options after the season, and we are happy that he will continue to be a Tar Heel."

Bill Cole writes for