J.R. Reid Says He’ll Stay at North Carolina

North Carolina sophomore J.R. Reid said Sunday he has no plans to leave the Tar Heels and turn professional at the end of the season.

Reid, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward who scored 17 points and had eight rebounds in Sunday’s 77-73 victory over North Carolina State, said he had discussed the situation with his parents, who both teach school in the Tidewater, Va., area.

“My plans are to stay for the full four years,” he told The Raleigh News and Observer. “I want to get this thing cleared up. I’ll be back.”

Reid’s comments were sparked by remarks from North Carolina Coach Dean Smith who said that Reid was at least considering turning pro early. Smith said Sunday in an televised interview that he had encouraged the move.

“I’ve always said, if you can be financially secure for life and come back and get a degree, why not do that?” Smith said.