North Carolina's McCants plans to leave early for NBA

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) North Carolina forward Rashad McCants, the second-leading scorer for the NCAA champions, will forgo his senior season to enter the NBA draft, coach Roy Williams said Tuesday.<br> <br> ``I think Rashad told people last night he was going to go; we had that discussion as early as first of the semester, as early as January, knowing at that time is was probably going to happen,&#39;&#39; Williams said at a news conference Tuesday morning in St. Louis, where he accepted the NABC&#39;s Siemens Trophy for winning the NCAA title Monday night.<br> <br> McCants had 14 points, two rebounds and an assist in the 75-70 win over Illinois. For the season, he averaged 16 points, three rebounds and nearly three assists.<br> <br> The Tar Heels returned to Chapel Hill for a victory celebration with fans in the Smith Center on Tuesday afternoon. McCants addressed the crowd, but gave no indication he planned to head for the NBA early.<br> <br> ``It&#39;s going to be great to look up in the stands and see 2005 national champions (on a banner),&#39;&#39; he said. ``Let&#39;s see if we can make it in 2006.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Players were unavailable for further comment after the event, which drew about 15,000 fans.<br> <br> North Carolina (33-4) is definitely losing seniors Jawad Williams, Jackie Manuel and Melvin Scott.<br> <br> Roy Williams alluded to other non-seniors on the team who could go pro in his remarks in St. Louis.<br> <br> ``Raymond (Felton), he and I sat down before the season started and said we would have a discussion once the season was over,&#39;&#39; Williams said. ``Marvin (Williams), I&#39;ve heard him say that he&#39;d really love to stay, but he and I are going to sit down and talk. Sean (May) has said publicly he is coming back, but we&#39;ll sit down and talk there as well.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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