Roy Williams on Tokoto entering draft: 'I didn't think it was the smartest decision'

J.P. Tokoto made the decision in April to leave North Carolina and forego his remaining collegiate eligibility to enter the 2015 NBA Draft.

Not everyone around Tokoto was on board with the decision, as head coach Roy Williams told Daniel Wilco of Sports Illustrated.

"I did tell him I didn't think it was the smartest decision," Williams said. "But he felt strongly that that’s what he wanted to do, so I told him I would support him.

"It is a tough balance. Kids come to school with that dream, whether it's Harrison Barnes or J.P. Tokoto, you want to do everything you can for North Carolina, for your team. But you have a big dream in the back of your mind that sometimes gets bigger and bigger and gets in the front of your mind."

Tokoto wasn't eager to return to Chapel Hill as a role player in his senior season.

"There's nothing against North Carolina," Tokoto said. "I loved playing for Coach Roy Williams. But as far as improving my game and investing in myself, investing in my stock for the NBA with these scouts, offensively, nothing was going to change for me."

Tokoto averaged 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists for the Tar Heels in a limited role this past season. He is projected as the No. 43 overall pick in the latest 2015 mock draft by DraftExpress.