UNC small forward Nassir Little has formally declared for the NBA Draft.
“I am declaring for the 2019 draft with the intention to start my NBA career,” Little told ESPN. “I am going to work extremely hard throughout the pre-draft process and my entire career to continue to grow as a player and person. I feel like I have a very high ceiling as a player, and I plan to reach that ceiling through consistent hard work.”
Little averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels during the 2018-19 season. ESPN currently has Little ranked as the 16th best prospect in the draft.
Little was very impressive on the All Star circuit preceding his arrival at UNC. Little was named MVP of both the Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonalds All American Game during the summer of 2018.
His stock dropped a bit during the season, mainly due to nagging injuries he suffered throughout the year. Over the course of the season, Little suffered a severe ankle sprain, bruised sternum, poked eye and during the NCAA tournament, battled flu like symptoms in UNC’S last game, a Sweet Sixteen loss to Auburn.
Little will be a interesting possibility for teams selecting in the middle of the first round. Measured at 6-foot-6 with a 7-1 wingspan, Little may thrive playing the SF position in the league. The freshman realizes that there is plenty of hard work ahead however.
“I think for every young player there’s always more to show,” Little said. “I didn’t shoot the 3 much this year, but I shot it well from the free throw line, and I look forward to showing teams that I can shoot the 3 consistently as well. I also think when the game speeds up at the next level, my length, athleticism, and versatility on both ends will impress.”
Head coach Roy Williams supported Little’s decision to move on to the NBA.
“Nassir is just an outstanding young man who has been a complete pleasure to coach. Playing in the NBA has been a dream of his and everyone on our staff will continue to support his efforts in the months and years to come,” Williams said.
