North Carolina Pre-season #1 For 2011-12 NCAA Men's Basketball

(Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Yeah, we know it’s just a few weeks past end of the 2010-2011 season, but with Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Tyler Zeller staying in school, the Tar Heels are a shoe-in for the pre-season #1 as they were with a loaded squad back in 2008-2009.

This morning, Barnes made it official. 

In a statement released by UNC, Barnes said “As an 18-year-old, I'm in the early stages of my life journey.”

"I'm honored and blessed for the chance to play in the NBA. And because of my family, teachers, passion and work, I have the ultimate dream of one day playing and experiencing a fulfilling career in the NBA."

Add to that not losing any key players to the NBA or graduation, Kendall Marshall and the fourth best recruiting class that includes the son of former Tar Heel star Bob McAdoo (James), and the Heels are loaded.

It's not a good day in Durham...

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