UNC wing Theo Pinson will return to Chapel Hill for his senior season, the school announced Wednesday. Pinson submitted his name to the NBA last week to explore his options in advance of the NBA Draft.
The Greensboro, N.C., native averaged 6.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 21 games last year. He posted 14 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists in Final Four wins over Oregon and Gonzaga.
“I’m glad I took the time to explore the NBA Draft process, but I am going to play my senior year as a Tar Heel,” Pinson said. “It was a dream of mine to play college basketball at the best school and in the best league in the country, and it is a dream of mine to play in the NBA as well. The best path for me to reach the league and have a long career there is to have a great senior season, and I am so excited to have that opportunity to play another year for Coach (Roy) Williams and finish my degree as well.”
Pinson led Carolina in assists nine times last year. He finished the season with 77 assists, more than any other Tar Heel in the 21 games in which he played. The rising senior missed 19 games, including the first 16, due to injuries.
“Theo was a key player in our winning the national championship and playing in the last two Final Fours,” Williams said. “He not only is an outstanding playmaker, he is someone who gives our team tremendous energy and confidence. We fully supported his decision to look into the Draft process, and we are excited to know that he will return to Carolina for his senior season. I know he will continue to provide exceptional play and leadership next year.”
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