University of North Carolina men’s basketball players Justin Jackson and Kennedy Meeks will submit their names to the NBA for the 2016 Draft, but will not hire agents at this time and may return to UNC for the 2016-17 season.
Underclassmen have until April 24 to enter the Draft. They have until May 25 to withdraw from the Draft to be eligible to play college basketball next season.
The NBA Draft Combine, at which approximately 70 players will be invited by the NBA to participate, will take place May 10-15 in Chicago.
“Justin and Kennedy have our complete support in taking this step,” says head coach Roy Williams.” Any player who is thinking about playing in the NBA next season should gather as much information as they can about their possible draft position. We will continue to support and assist them over the next month to obtain the information that will help them decide whether they should remain in the draft or return to UNC next season.”
Jackson and Meeks were starters on the 2015-16 squad that went 33-7, won the ACC regular season and Tournament titles and the NCAA East Regional, and played in the national championship game.
Jackson, a sophomore from Tomball, Texas, averaged 12.2 points and 3.9 rebounds and had 113 assists.
Meeks, a junior from Charlotte, averaged 9.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 33 games.