Al Behrman / AP

North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough became the first player in school history to lead his team in scoring (18.9 points), rebounding (7.8 rebounds), shooting percentage (57 percent) and steals (38).

updated 10:51 p.m. ET March 29, 2006

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Tyler Hansbrough — the Atlantic Coast Conference rookie of the year and an All-American — will return to North Carolina next season instead of entering the NBA draft.

Hansbrough said in a statement Wednesday that he “never really considered” entering the draft this season, but said he talked with coach Roy Williams about his possible draft potential before deciding to stay in school.

Williams said he gathered information from NBA sources and met with Hansbrough and his parents to tell them that the freshman “would definitely” be a first-round draft pick this year.

“The NBA is definitely a goal of mine down the line, but right now I am enjoying college a great deal and feel I can improve in every phase of my game,” Hansbrough said. “I enjoy school, my teammates and being part of the Carolina basketball program.”

The 6-foot-9 forward became the first player in school history to lead his team in scoring (18.9 points), rebounding (7.8 rebounds), shooting percentage (57 percent) and steals (38). He was the first Tar Heels freshman to earn All-America honors, including a third-team selection by The Associated Press.

He was also the first freshman in league history to be an unanimous first-team All-ACC pick.

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