Rashad McCants who played in integral part in North Carolina's recent win at the NCAA men's basketball tournament has announced that he will forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NBA draft this year.

'I felt like I achieved all the deeds I wanted to in college,' McCants said. 'The goal this year was to win the national championship and we did that. Now my dream is to shake (NBA commissioner) David Stern's hand and play for an NBA team.'

McCants becomes of the first of what may be many stars from North Carolina to make themselves eligible for the NBA draft. The deadline to declare yourself eligible is May 14. Those players who have not hired an agent can withdraw from the draft and resume their college careers if they announce this before June 21.

McCants averaged 16 points per game during the regular season and 17 points per game in the NCAA tournament.

North Carolina coach Roy Williams wished the 6'4'' McCants well. 'We talked about this (entering the draft) as early as January and Rashad was able to maintain his focus throughout the season,' Williams said. 'I think he will be remembered as a player who helped us win a national championship and as a nice young man.'

Williams may be saying goodbye to as many as three other underclassman before the May 14 deadline arrives. According to published reports, junior center Sean May, junior guard Raymond Felton and freshman forward Marvin Williams are all considering declaring themselves eligible for this year's NBA draft.