by Jeff Goodman

The 6-foot-9 Hansbrough averaged 22.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season and was the National Player of the Year. He already has qualified to become the eighth player in school history to have his jersey retired and can add several more records to his resume in his final season.

"I love my collegiate experience and want to finish my four years here, then move on to my next dream of playing in the NBA," Hansbrough said in a statement. "I am very relieved that this decision is behind us and I can concentrate on my academic work and improving my game for next season."

He enters next year ranked second on the program's career list with 2,168 points, putting him 122 behind Phil Ford for the record. He also is within reach of the Atlantic Coast Conference career mark set by Duke's J.J. Redick (2,769 points) in 2006.

Lawson averaged 12.7 points and 5.2 assists this past season, while Ellington averaged 16.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. Ellington, a 6-4 wing guard, and Lawson directed coach Roy Williams' fast-paced offense to a 36-3 record and a berth in the Final Four.

If the duo comes back, the Tar Heels would return their top eight players while adding one of the nation's best recruiting classes, a scenario that would make the Tar Heels would be the prohibitive favorite to win the national championship next season.

"I'm not dying to leave here, but playing in the NBA is another dream I have," Ellington said.

"I want what is best for each individual and each individual player is different and has different factors to consider," coach Roy Williams said. "We will continue to help Ty and Wayne with the draft process and give them all the support they need in making any future decisions related to staying in the draft or returning to Carolina."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.