UNC first-year forward Nassir Little declares for 2019 NBA Draft

UPDATE 5:18 p.m. North Carolina men's basketball head coach Roy Williams released a statement regarding Little's decision to enter the NBA draft.

"Nassir is just an outstanding young man who has been a complete pleasure to coach," Williams said in the statement. "Playing in the NBA has been a dream of his and everyone on our staff will continue to support his efforts in the months and years to come. He played a big part in our success this year and would have done even greater things late in the year were it not for a couple of injuries sustained in mid-February."

On Monday afternoon, Nassir Little announced in a statement via Twitter that he will enter the 2019 NBA Draft.

The announcement comes days after No. 1 seed UNC fell in the Sweet 16 to No. 5 seed Auburn, 97-80.

The 6-foot-6 forward enjoyed a solid first-year campaign where he was the team's most productive bench player.

In 36 games this season, Little averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in 18.2 minutes of playing time. Little exceeded the double-digit threshold in points 18 times on the year.

Ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit by 247Sports composite rankings, Little was once projected as high as No. 3 in the NBA draft, but has since seen his draft stock fall. However, he's still a projected lottery pick by multiple outlets, including NBAdraft.net.

"This past season on and off the court has been amazing," Little wrote via Twitter. "The University of North Carolina is a special place and I'm thankful for the opportunity to attend such a prestigious university and play for such a storied basketball program."

Little went on to say that he is ready for the next chapter of his basketball career and that he will "forever have Tar Heel blood running through my veins."

"With that said, it is time for me to pursue my lifelong dream and enter the 2019 NBA Draft," Little wrote. "I am ready now to put everything I have into being the best player I can be at the next level."

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