UNC's James Michael McAdoo declares for NBA Draft

UNC's James Michael McAdoo averaged 14.3 points and seven rebounds the last two seasons. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

North Carolina junior forward James Michael McAdoo will forego his final season of eligibility and enter the 2014 NBA Draft, the school announced Thursday.

McAdoo was second on the team in scoring, averaging 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds this season for the Tar Heels, leading the team to the third round of the NCAA tournament, where it lost 85-83 to Iowa State. He was named second-team All-ACC during his sophomore and junior seasons.

The 6-foot-9 foward scored 1,232 points and grabbed 640 rebounds in 108 games in his career at the school.

"I am thankful to God for the opportunities I have had at Carolina," says McAdoo. "I am thankful for everything I have been blessed to experience from my relationships with Coach Williams and his staff, to my current and former teammates and to the fact that I am so close to earning my degree from such a great institution. Without a doubt I plan to come back and finish my degree. That is important to me.

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"I just feel I am ready to play at the next level and excited about that challenge. 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."