Alabama lures high school center Hendrix

ATHENS,ALABAMA - Athens High&#39;s center Richard Hendrix picked Alabama over North Carolina Tuesday, picking a budding program over one rich with tradition.<br> <br> ``I really liked both schools a lot,&#39;&#39; Hendrix said, after announcing his decision at his high school gym. ``It really came down to the fact that Alabama just has some great things going on in their program. I think they&#39;re headed in the right direction, and I just wanted to be part of it.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Hendrix averaged 22.1 points, 13.7 rebounds and 6.1 blocked shots per game in leading the Golden Eagles to a 33-3 record and a runner-up finish in the Alabama High School Class 5A State Finals a year ago.<br> <br> He was recruited by several nationally-renowned basketball programs, but months ago he settled on the Tar Heels and the Crimson Tide.<br> <br> Hendrix looks to join an Alabama team, which reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament last season.