University of North Carolina Athletics
Ellington, Lawson Declare For NBA Draft
April 23, 2009 | Men's Basketball
April 23, 2009
CHAPEL HILL - University of North Carolina juniors Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson both have opted to enter the 2009 NBA Draft and end their collegiate eligibility, the guards announced at a Thursday afternoon press conference at the Smith Center. They were accompanied at the media gathering by their parents and head coach Roy Williams.
The duo's decision comes just over two weeks after leading the Tar Heels to the NCAA championship with a victory over Michigan State in Detroit.
"I think everyone realizes why we're here," Williams said to open the press conference. "These two young men have been fantastic for Roy Williams and North Carolina's basketball program because of these four people sitting here in front - Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, Mr. and Mrs. Ellington. They've done a magnificent job with building character and raising character - not just raising a young man - and I've benefited a great deal from having these young men with me. It's been a fun time."
Lawson was named the 2009 ACC Player of the Year and the winner of the Cousy Award as the nation's best point guard. He earned first-team All-America honors from several organizations, including the NABC, the Los Angeles Athletic Club, Sports Illustrated and Basketball Times. He had 21 points and a championship game record eight steals in the victory over Michigan State. Lawson averaged 16.6 points and 6.6 assists per game this season with an assist/turnover ratio of 3.49, best in UNC history.
"It's hard to leave Carolina because of all the great memories and things you learn in college," Lawson said on Thursday afternoon. "All the fun I had with my teammates made it a hard decision. It's just tough leaving here."
Ellington was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2009 Final Four after setting a Final Four record for highest three-point percentage. He made 8 of 10 from behind the three-point arc in Detroit (80 percent). Ellington averaged 19.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in the two victories in the Final Four, scoring 17 points in the first half of the NCAA title game against Michigan State.
"Winning a championship definitely had a lot to do with it," said Ellington. "There's no better way to go out. It's something that's very hard to achieve and we worked for it."
