North Carolina's James Michael McAdoo entering 2014 NBA draft

James Michael McAdoo (right) is forgoing his final year of eligibility. (Peyton Williams/Getty Images) North Carolina junior James Michael McAdoo will enter

James Michael McAdoo (right) is forgoing his final year of eligibility. (Peyton Williams/Getty Images)

North Carolina junior James Michael McAdoo will enter the NBA Draft, the school announced in a press release Thursday.

"I just feel I am ready to play at the next level and excited about that challenge," said McAdoo in a statement. "I had chances to go after my freshman and sophomore years but was more excited about coming back to school then. Right now I am excited about fulfilling my dream to play in the NBA and do what I have to do to take that next step."

The 6-foot-9, 230 pound forward averaged 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in leading the Tar Heels to a 24-10 record and No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament, where they were ousted in the round of 32.

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McAdoo, ranked No. 8 in the class of 2011 coming out out of Norfolk Christian School, according to Rivals, was considered a potential lottery pick had he declared for the 2012 draft, despite averaging just 6.1 points in limited playing time his freshman season. While his numbers improved, McAdoo -- a distant cousin of former All-Star Bob McAdoo -- never developed into the dominant player his physical tools suggested he could be. In DraftExpress.com's2014 mock draft, McAdoo is projected as a second-round pick. He isn't listed on Chris Mannix's latest Big Board.

In the release, North Carolina coach Roy Williams expressed support for McAdoo’s decision.

Roy Williams