Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Przemek Karnowski (24) is defended by North Carolina Tar Heels forward Tony Bradley (5) in the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina freshman center Tony Bradley will declare for NBA Draft to “test the waters” during offseason

North Carolina freshman big man Tony Bradley told the Associated Press last night that he plans to declare for the NBA Draft to “test the waters” during the offseason.

When asked if he would hire an agent, Bradley wouldn’t rule out the possibility and said, “I haven’t decided yet. I might.”

Bradley also went on to say that he was “100 percent” on taking full advantage of the rules that allow for college players to work their way through the NBA Draft process without losing their eligibility. Of course, that is provided that the player does not hire an agent.

The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Florida native averaged 7.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in just under 15 minutes per game for the Tar Heels this season.

He played 18 minutes in North Carolina’s NCAA Championship victory, accumulating five points on 2-of-8 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and an assist.

If Bradley does indeed decide to hire an agent and leave North Carolina after just one season, it will leave a sizable hole in the Tar Heels’ roster next season.

Although they have reinforcements coming next season in big men Brandon Huffman and Sterling Manley, they don’t have anyone else with the same level of talent and potential as Bradley, a former five-star prospect and McDonald’s All-American.

Stick with Keeping It Heel for future updates on Bradley, as well as continued coverage of the 2017 National Champion North Carolina Tar Heels.