- File photo by Jeremy M. Lange
- Roy Williams
After the UNC Tar Heels mostly dismal 2009-10 campaign finally came to a close with a 79-68 loss to the University of Dayton Flyers in the NIT finals, Triangle Offense’s UNC correspondent Rob Harrington wrote:
The focus now shifts to the offseason. To wit, will there be any transfers? (Probably.) Will Ed Davis declare for the NBA Draft? (Almost definitely.) Will Carolina sign any additional recruits for next year? (Depends largely on the answers to the first two questions.)
Well, the most commonly floated transfer rumor was quashed when Larry Drew II decided to stay on—and was even allowed to goose anticipation of the announcement on his own Twitter feed. But notice Triangle Offense’s use of the plural.
Two shoes (or four?) dropped today but head coach Roy Williams seems to have been caught off-guard as twin post players David and Travis Wear announced their intention to transfer.
We’re actually afraid to touch this press release—it’s so hot the steam is still rising from it. But here’s the money quote:
“We are extremely disappointed that David and Travis are leaving the program,” says Williams. “I love both kids and they would have been very important parts of our team next season. It is a significant blow to our team as we had four post players and now we are down to two. They are quality kids and will be quality players.
“Their father called me last night and asked for their release, which came as a complete surprise. I met with both kids in mid-April for our typical end-of-year meetings and together we worked on their development plans for next season. Both David and Travis seemed to be excited about their futures at North Carolina.
“Our coaching staff will look at whatever options are available but it’s hard to replace two quality players at this time.”
Although the Wears’ impact was modest in their freshman season, they were being counted on to help compensate for the loss of Deon Thompson to graduation and Ed Davis to early entry into the NBA draft. Williams now faces the prospect of rebuilding his team with Tyler Zeller and John Henson as the only experienced big men. He looks to become heavily dependent on Harrison Barnes, an incoming freshman who, if he’s as good as advertised, is seen as a likely one-and-done player.
Complete text of announcement below.
WEARS TO TRANSFER FROM NORTH CAROLINA
CHAPEL HILL — University of North Carolina rising sophomore forwards David Wear and Travis Wear are transferring, Tar Heel head coach Roy Williams announced today.
“We are extremely disappointed that David and Travis are leaving the program,” says Williams. “I love both kids and they would have been very important parts of our team next season. It is a significant blow to our team as we had four post players and now we are down to two. They are quality kids and will be quality players.
“Their father called me last night and asked for their release, which came as a complete surprise. I met with both kids in mid-April for our typical end-of-year meetings and together we worked on their development plans for next season. Both David and Travis seemed to be excited about their futures at North Carolina.
“Our coaching staff will look at whatever options are available but it’s hard to replace two quality players at this time.”
David Wear averaged 2.9 points and 1.7 rebounds in 27 games. He missed the final nine games of the season due to a torn labrum in his left hip. Travis Wear averaged 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 32 games. They came to Carolina from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif.
