<p>CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina freshman big man Day’Ron Sharpe is entering the NBA draft.</p>
<p>The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Sharpe announced his decision in a <a href="https://twitter.com/dayron_sharpe/status/1374775610090913794?s=20">social media post Wednesday</a> after averaging 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game off the bench.</p>
<p>He has shown the ability to be a dominant rebounder with a good passing touch and a strong frame, a combination that has him widely viewed as a first-round prospect even as he’s a still-developing talent.</p>
<p>“I feel that I’m now ready for the next level,” Sharpe said in a statement. “I’ve made it this far and there’s no reason for me to stop now!”</p>
<p>The UNC basketball program’s <a href="https://twitter.com/UNC_Basketball/status/1374776822848761859?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">Twitter</a> account also acknowledged Sharpe’s decision, wishing him luck at the next level.</p>
<p>“I loved coaching him," coach Roy Williams said in a statement. "He has a tremendously high motor. He’s naturally one of the greatest rebounders I’ve ever coached and a young man I truly just enjoyed."</p>
<p>Sharpe had a season-high 25 points in a January win against Notre Dame, followed by a season-best 16 rebounds in the next game against Miami.</p>
<p>His decision marks the second departure from North Carolina’s deep front line this week. Seven-foot freshman Walker Kessler announced earlier that he plans to transfer.</p>
<p>The Tar Heels reached the NCAA Tournament but lost last week to Wisconsin in the first round.</p>
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<p>More AP college basketball: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/College-basketball">https://apnews.com/hub/College-basketball</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25">http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25</a> </p>
