Friday, April 9, 2010

Drew confirms he'll return to Tar Heels

Guard Larry Drew, saying he's tired of hearing rumors that claim he's transferring from North Carolina, released a statement Friday afternoon saying that he will return to the Tar Heels for his junior season.

“Last week when we were in New York for the NIT, several reporters from North Carolina asked me about transferring after the season," Drew said in the statement, which was released by school sports information director Steve Kirschner. "I said that I would always be a Tar Heel. I thought my answer would end the speculation, but my teammates, family, coaches and I continue to be asked about me transferring. I want to again confirm that I am not transferring anywhere."

Drew averaged 6.0 assists per game last season, second in the ACC, but struggled at times to run North Carolina's fast-paced offense after taking over the starting job from Ty Lawson, who left for the NBA after the Tar Heels won the 2009 NCAA title.

North Carolina has recruited another point guard, McDonald's All-American Kendall Marshall, who will compete as a freshman for minutes with Drew next season.

Drew did demonstrate significant improvement in the postseason National Invitiation Tournament, driving for a winning basket against Mississippi State and sparking the Tar Heels in a comeback win over Rhode Islans in the semifinals.

"I’ve been asked about these rumors since the day we won at Wake Forest in February and I really want to put all this stuff to rest," he said. "I am a Tar Heel and will continue to learn from Coach [Roy] Williams and his staff to become a more effective player and leader and help us have a great season in 2011.”

Ken Tysiac

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad he's coming back, the Tarheels need him in order to make it back to the NIT.

Anonymous said...

if there is an NIT next year.....Drew is the guy you want at PG to insure their return.....
The PG that can't shoot or pass straight....returns

Anonymous said...

Sheesh. The guy had close to a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio on team with limited offensive options. His year wasn't great but not as bad as everyone is making it out to be.

Anonymous said...

Ty Lawson's not walking through that door. Ray Felton's not walking through that door.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

Sheesh. The guy had close to a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio on team with limited offensive options. His year wasn't great but not as bad as everyone is making it out to be.

================
Meaningless Stats for this PG stiff and the 5-11 ACC Tar Holes... are for LOSER fans....in Denial...

Take your meds and accept REALITY !!!!

Anonymous said...

leave the guy alone!

Anonymous said...

Not our rivals.

Love,
Wal-Mart Duke fan

MichaelProcton said...

Ed Davis leaving, Kyle Singler and Drew staying? The news couldn't be better.