After one season at Carolina, Tony Bradley will test the NBA waters.
Despite only coming off the bench during his first season at Carolina, Tony Bradley will test the NBA waters initially without an agent. The freshman out of Bartow, Florida, could return to Carolina if he doesn’t receive the feedback he seeks at the next level.
Bradley was quick to say after the Tar Heels cut down the nets in Phoenix that he would be at least be making the jump to see what the NBA would say. His potential was always readily apparent, even as a substitute for the Heels his freshman year. Many hoped that potential would be realized with a full season as a starter in 2017-2018, but those plans are on hold for the time being.
North Carolina's Tony Bradley is declaring for the NBA Draft, but won't initially sign with an agent | Story: https://t.co/o3KeMVEh7j pic.twitter.com/mpOlp9R7fo
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) April 24, 2017
The big man appeared in 38 games for UNC this season, averaging 14.6 minutes per game. Bradley averaged 7.1 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game over that time. His length was a game-changer down in the post, making it so difficult for opposing players down low. His game-winning block against Tennessee in Carolina’s non-conference schedule was one of many great moments for him this season.
If this ends up being the end for Bradley in a Tar Heel uniform, he will leave Carolina a champion and that will never be forgotten. Although he was not originally pegged as a sure-fire one-and-done, it’s difficult to blame him for not passing up the chance to get paid at the next level if he can get it. Whether or not it is worth it to return and improve his stock is now his decision to make. He’ll need to do so by May 24th.
His absence would leave a big void down low for the Heels next season with Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks departing after graduation. If there’s one thing Roy Williams does well, though, it’s reload his teams. Everything will be fine. Best of luck to Tony, regardless of what he decides.
