Dawson Garcia withdraws from NBA draft, to join North Carolina Tar Heels

The Hubert Davis era at North Carolina gained a significant contributor when former Marquettebasketball star Dawson Garcia announced his decision to withdraw from the NBA draft and join the Tar Heels.

Garcia made his announcement on Instagram on Thursday.

As Roy Williams' preferred choice as his successor, the expectations for Davis in Year 1 have been reasonable. The addition of Garcia, however, puts UNC in position to immediately contend in the ACC.

The 6-11 Garcia, who averaged 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds last season, will join Armando Bacot to form arguably the nation's top frontcourt outside of Spokane, Washington.

With Garcia on the floor last season, Marquette held opponents to 94 points per 100 possessions, according to hooplens.com.

North Carolina had one of America's top frontcourts last season but Garrison Brooks and Walker Kessler both transferred and Day'Ron Sharpe turned pro.

UNC has already added 6-foot-9 graduate transfer Brady Manek from Oklahoma, giving the Tar Heels a big man with the ability to step behind the 3-point arc. The Tar Heels also added 6-8 forward Justin McKoy from Virginia.

Garcia's departure continues the overhaul of Marquette's roster under new coach Shaka Smart, who took over after Steve Wojciechowski was fired.

Marquette loses its top five scorers from the team that went 13-14 last season. D.J. Carton entered the draft, Koby McEwen transferred to Weber State, Jamal Cain transferred to Oakland, and Theo John transferred to Duke.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.