Henson, Zeller to return

North Carolina forwards John Henson and Tyler Zeller will return to college and play basketball for the Tar Heels in 2011-12.

Henson, a sophomore from Tampa, Fla., and Zeller, a junior from Washington, Ind., were each second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selections in 2011.

Freshman forward Harrison Barnes is still reviewing information about the possibility of declaring for the NBA Draft.

"I want to come back to school next year because I enjoy all aspects of being a college student and I truly love being a Tar Heel," Henson said. "We had a fun and successful season, but we all want to improve on what we accomplished. I know at some point I want to play in the NBA, but right now I want to enjoy my college life. My teammates and coaches are great and I want to help them reach the big dreams we all share."

"I came to Carolina because it had the balance of academics and basketball I wanted and it was the best place for me to prepare for life and a career in the NBA," Zeller said. "That's exactly what we have here. I want to finish my college career, compete for championships and graduate on time. That means a lot to my family and me. Plus, I know I can get stronger and improve my all-around game with another year. We had a great season getting to the Elite Eight, but I would like a chance at going out with another title."

"John and Tyler certainly considered their options, but in the end it came down to how much they enjoyed not only college basketball, but being part of the collegiate experience both on and off the court," Coach Roy Williams. "I spoke to about 10 NBA teams on their behalf and gave them that information, but their individual decisions are less about the NBA and more about what they wanted to do right now and the experiences they are enjoying at the University of North Carolina.

"Harrison is not as far along in his decision-making process as were Tyler and John. I am still gathering information on him from NBA teams and hope to provide him with all of that information by the end of next week."