North Carolina freshman Tony Bradley has decided to remain in the 2017 NBA Draft, a source told CBS Sports early Wednesday.
A formal announcement is expected soon.
Bradley averaged 7.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in only 14.6 minutes last season for a UNC team that won the ACC regular-season title and national championship. The 6-foot-10 forward projected as a starter next season -- meaning his early departure is an undeniable blow to the Tar Heels' Final Four hopes. It's a development that means four of North Carolina's top five scorers will not return. The only one back is Joel Berry, who averaged 14.7 points as a junior.
The good news?
North Carolina is enrolling a top-20 recruiting class headlined by four-star prospects Jake Felton and Garrison Brooks. Both will be expected to contribute immediately.
Bradley is North Carolina's first one-and-done player since Brandan Wright -- who was the eighth pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.