Heels' Peppers to enter 2002 NFL draft; won't play basketball

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina two-sport star Julius Peppers made it official Tuesday, saying he would forego his final year of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2002 NFL draft. <br> <br> In addition, Peppers said he would not play basketball this season. <br> <br> Peppers said his decision not to play basketball was ``based upon the difficult reality of balancing academics, basketball and preparing for the NFL draft simultaneously.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Peppers finished the 2001 football season with 63 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He also had a team-high three interceptions. <br> <br> The 6-foot-6, 285-pound junior started the last three years after redshirting as a freshman. He was a unanimous All-America selection in 2001 and won the Lombardi Trophy as the nation&#39;s top lineman. <br> <br> ``Julius was a great leader for us this season, and I appreciate everything he did for the team and the university,&#39;&#39; said head football coach John Bunting. ``I think his best playing days are ahead of him, and he has the potential to be an NFL star.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> He played in 56 games over a two-year stretch for the basketball team, averaging 3.7 points and 5.7 rebounds. <br> <br> ``My staff and I certainly wish Julius all the best,&#39;&#39; said head basketball coach Matt Doherty. ``He has been a great ambassador for Carolina football and basketball. I look forward to watching him play on Sundays for many years.&#39;&#39;