DeMar DeRozan says he almost went to UNC

Only one thing stopped Deebo from going to UNC for college.

Despite playing only one season with USC, DeMar DeRozan's remarkable performance left a lasting impression. Consequently, in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors selected him ninth overall. However, did you know that the crafty veteran wingman considered going to another school, one that counts many all-time basketball legends among its alumni?

Wanted to attend North Carolina

DeRozan was a highly-touted prospect out of Compton, California. As such, he had his pick of schools and their respective basketball programs. North Carolina was a school that was on DeRozan's radar. However, there was one caveat: whatever school was recruiting him had to also recruit his best friend, guard Percy "Romeo" Miller. During his appearance on Paul George's podcast, DeRozan explained why he didn't end up attending UNC:

"So we had looked at a few schools. We were so close that whatever school I was going to go to, he had to go too," DeRozan said. "I wanted to go to North Carolina. One because it reminded me of Compton High blue, two Michael Jordan went there. I just really wanted to go to North Carolina."

Could only take one

Roy Williams, the Tar Heels' coach at the time, was keen on recruiting the high-leaping wingman, but could not accommodate any other player. This meant DeRozan had to leave Miller—the son of famous rapper Master P—behind.

"I remember we went on a visit, I'm taking a tour of the school and we are sitting in Roy Williams office. And I'm like 'Yeah, I want to come here.' He's like 'Yeah, man we would love to have you, but we are not taking him,'" Deebo added.

DeRozan and Miller eventually went to USC where the former played 35 games and averaged 13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. On the other hand, Miller had an unremarkable college career at USC, averaging 0.6 points in nine games.