Finished third all-time at UNC for career three-point field goal percentage (.419)…finished second on the team with 45 three-pointers made and 24 blocked shots, and third in rebounding (5.4 rpg) his senior season…grabbed seven or more rebounds 15 times…named All-ACC Third Team his junior season, scoring in double figures 24 times. 

 

Q: There have been several North Carolina players who’ve entered the NBA in the last two years. Did you seek any advice from them about the league?

A: Basically I just tried to talk to those guys who have gone through this before. They told me to go into it with the mental approach of working hard and doing whatever it takes. Hopefully it will pay off in the long run.

 

Q: Does playing in a program like that help prepare you for the next level?

A: Definitely. Coach (Roy) Williams gets the best out of you (as player).

 

Q: Where do you think you will be picked?

A: Going into Orlando (pre-draft) camp, I was hearing early second round, maybe late first round. But I’ve been getting a lot of great reports from teams. I think I can go anywhere, pretty much, in the draft. It’s all about which team I fit the best.

 

Q: How would you view it if you were picked in the second round?

A: A lot of times the opportunity for guys taken in the second round is better. The ultimate goal is to get picked in the first round, but early-second round (sometimes) the opportunity is better, as opposed to going to a team where they already have guys at your position and you have to wait behind them, and you get lost in the shuffle.

 

Q: Which players do you compare yourself to in the NBA in terms of your style of play?

A: A lot of people compare me with Stephen Jackson. I don’t have a problem with that. I don’t compare myself to anybody. I just try to be the best possible player I can be and try to create a name for myself.

 

Q: What areas of your game are you trying to improve or prove to scouts that they aren’t weaknesses?

A: My shooting range and three-point range, and maybe ballhandling.

 

Q: Who are your draft sleepers, guys who are not getting much publicity right now but have a chance to be very solid players in the NBA?

A: Jared Dudley of Boston College. He’s not as athletic as a lot of guys in the draft, but his shooting ability and his (basketball) IQ are going to make up for his (lack of) athletic ability. He’s one of the guys who don’t get a lot of credit. I’d also say Demetris Nichols of Syracuse. I really like his game.