North Carolina Guard Coby White Declares for 2019 NBA Draft

Freshman combo guard Coby White has declared for the 2019 NBA Draft. The starting North Carolina lead guard has been steadily climbing up NBA draft boards and is intending to forgo his final three years of college eligibility. He is projected to be drafted anywhere from the mid-lottery to right outside of the lottery.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

First, I want to thank God for everything he has blessed me with, including the ability to live out my dream of playing basketball. This season has taught me so much and I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to play at UNC with a group of guys that have truly become my brothers for anything. These past 10 months have been the highlight of my basketball career and I’ve grown so much on and off the court. Thank you is not enough to show my gratitude to the best coaching staff. They pushed me and the entire team to be the best players we could be. I want to thank my brothers who I stepped in between those lines with me everyday. The growth we experienced by coming together, not only as team, but a real family made this year unforgettable. I know for certain, I can count on all of them no matter what…love y’all boys! Thank you to the fans that supported and motivated us through the wins and losses. I’ve always had a dream of playing basketball in the NBA and with that being said, I’ve decided to enter the 2019 NBA draft. This year, this school, this experience has prepared me for the next phase of my basketball journey. Again, thank you! Carolina will forever be my home! I will forever be a Tar Heel! This is not a goodbye, but until next time. Go Tar Heels! #FMF

A post shared by Coby (@whitecoby2) on Apr 3, 2019 at 1:14pm PDT

The freshman averaged 16.1 points and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 42.2 percent per game. The announcement comes after a disappointing loss to the Auburn Tigers in the Sweet 16 of the 2019 NCAA Tournament. This declaration may also impact the college decision of five-star point guard Cole Anthony who is believed to be leaning toward North Carolina.

The third Def Pen 2019 NBA Mock Draft has White going right outside the lottery, but his stock has likely improved and he could fight his way into the late-lottery with his skill set and ability. This is the fifth “one and done” in the Roy Williams era at North Carolina.