North Carolina freshman guard Cole Anthony declared for the NBA Draft, the school announced in a release on Friday.

Anthony averaged 18.5 points per game to lead the Tar Heels (the second-highest average by a freshman in UNC history).

The freshman star guard missed 11 games after injuring his knee in December and the team went on a bit of a slide in his absence. It continued upon his return from injury until a brief three-game win streak, but UNC finished 14-19 on the season.

"Throughout my time at UNC I was humbled, challenged and always proud to be a Tar Heel," Anthony said, per the UNC release. "I want to thank Coach (Roy) Williams and the entire coaching staff for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime and pushing me every day. Thank you Tar Heel Nation for embracing me with open arms from the moment I stepped on campus and sticking by us through a tough season. My teammates – my brothers – we were together in the trenches. You made me better every day and helped me grow as a basketball player and as a man.

"I am excited to announce the next step in my journey and declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. While no one truly knows what the next few months will look like, I'm ready for whatever God has in store."

Anthony finished Third-Team All-ACC and won All-Freshman Team honors in spite of his injury.

The decision was not much of a surprise as the New York native and son of UNLV star Greg Anthony is projected as a first-round pick.

Williams was also quoted in the release. "I truly enjoyed coaching Cole this year and it will be fun to watch him play in the NBA. It was unfortunate for Cole and our team that he missed those 11 games due to injury. He had some spectacular moments as a Tar Heel and showed the potential I feel will make him very successful in the NBA," Williams said.

"He has our complete support going forward and I will be one of his biggest fans. It was a pleasure to coach him, and getting to know his family was fantastic, as well. He loves the game of basketball as much as any player I've ever coached and he will continue striving to be the absolute best player he can be. He will always be a Tar Heel."