Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Joel Berry withdraws name from NBA Draft

By Zack Pearson

Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats guard Dominique Hawkins (25) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats guard Dominique Hawkins (25) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joel Berry announces he will return to UNC and withdraw name from NBA Draft consideration

It appears as if University of North Carolina Tar Heels point guard Joel Berry is coming back after all.

On Tuesday night, the school announced that Berry has withdrew his name from the NBA Draft.

The move comes a day after Berry joined teammates Theo Pinson and Tony Bradley Jr. in declaring for the draft.

Here’s what Berry said via statement released by UNC:

"“After speaking to my family I have decided to withdraw from the 2017 Draft and will return to Carolina next season,” says Berry. “I know I can continue to improve my game and be better prepared for the NBA after another year playing against the best college competition in the country. There’s no reason to rush leaving school. I love being a Tar Heel and love playing for Carolina and Coach Williams.“My family and I have enjoyed every part of playing at Carolina. I am proud of what we have accomplished in my first three seasons as a Tar Heel and am excited about our team next year, the chance to continue to improve in all areas of the game and the opportunity to complete my education and earn my degree.”"

As a junior, Berry averaged 14.7 points and was named the Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four. He helped lead UNC to its sixth national championship and was a key player against both Oregon and Gonzaga.

He scored a game-high 22 points against the Bulldogs as UNC found redemption for their 2016 national championship loss.

With Berry back, the Tar Heels return at least one starter from its national championship team.

Fellow junior Theo Pinson is expected to return as well, after he declared on Monday.

The Tar Heels will be deep with depth on the wing, especially if Pinson returns. They welcome in guards Jalen Felton and Andrew Platek and return Kenny Williams, Brandon Robinson and Seventh Woods.

Next: Roy Williams named best ACC coach

UNC is still awaiting the decision of recruit Kevin Knox who will announce in May.

Check back to Keeping It Heel for more on UNC Basketball, as well as the decisions of Pinson and Bradley.

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