Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 9, 1995 TAG: 9505090107
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHAPEL HILL, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
The 6-foot-6 All-America forward said he would follow the lead of teammate Rasheed Wallace, forfeiting his final two years of eligibility to enter the draft, which will be held June 28. Wallace announced Thursday he was leaving.
Dean Smith, the Tar Heels' coach, said Stackhouse will go to the pros if he is a top-five draft pick. The people Smith has spoken to - nine of the 11 teams with picks in the NBA draft lottery - have told him that will happen, and Stackhouse said he can handle the challenge.
``I definitely feel that I am ready to move on to the next level,'' Stackhouse told reporters at a news conference in the Educational Foundation building next to the Smith Center on the UNC campus.
Stackhouse said he didn't know for sure that he would make the move until he had all the information on his draft potential from Smith, adding that other factors were important, especially his parents.
His mother, Minnie, is a diabetic and has had physical problems stemming from the illness several times in the past three years.
``My parents are living comfortably, but I do think there are some things that I would like to do for them, and that I could do by this opportunity of leaving right now,'' Stackhouse said. ``They're my heart and soul and I want to do all I can for them right now.''
Smith, who makes calls to NBA officials once a Tar Heels player entertains the prospect of turning professional, also looked at the financial future for the Stackhouse family.
``We've generally had a feeling here that if you and your family can be financially secure for life, then perhaps you should consider postponing your education,'' Smith said.
Smith said the NBA players' association and the league's management are in favor of a rookie salary cap, putting limits on the type of deal a rookie can sign. That also was an influence on Stackhouse's decision from his perspective.
``Maybe there's a 10 percent chance they're playing under last year's rules, and nobody wants that,'' Smith said.
Still, Stackhouse said a degree is important. He said he would continue his work toward one, beginning with summer school.
``I will never neglect my academic requirements,'' he said. ``My brother graduated from Florida State. I can't let him outdo me.''
Stackhouse acknowledged he would miss his teammates, especially starting point guard Jeff McInnis, with whom he developed a special relationship.
``He's always been there with me, it seems like, from high school and even now,'' said Stackhouse, tears welling in his eyes. ``Having to leave, that's something that I'm going to have to deal with for a little while.''
Stackhouse also will have to deal with losing a lot more than the 13 games he lost in his two seasons at North Carolina.
``That will be a big change for me,'' he said. ``That's part of the mental side of it. I can't let that get me down.
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB