A top North Carolina basketball signee is in big trouble.
JamesOn Curry--a 6-foot-2 shooting guard from Mebane, N.C.--was among 49 students targeted in an early morning drug bust yesterday.
"He was arrested about 8:30 this morning at Eastern Alamance High School," Public Information Officer Randy Jones of the Alamance County Sheriff's Office said. "He's facing six felony counts total: Two counts with possession and intent to sell and deliver marijuana; two counts of sale and delivery of marijuana; and two counts of sale and delivery of controlled substances on school grounds."
The investigation began last August when the Alamance County school superintendent suspected drug use at some local high schools, according to Jones. The Public Information Officer also stated undercover investigators had been in place at all the high schools in the county since the beginning of the school year.
Curry is considered one of the top 100 prospects in the class of 2004 and is rated the 16th-best shooting guard in the nation by theinsiders.com. Averaging 33 points per game, Curry broke a 44 year-old North Carolina prep career scoring mark this past December. Additionally, the guard set another state record earlier this season by hitting his 282nd career three-pointer.
Last November, Curry signed a national letter of intent to play for the Tar Heels. However, the arrest leaves Curry's basketball future unclear.
"It is disturbing," UNC head coach Roy Williams said at a press conference Wednesday. "Very surprising. But you know, I'm just learning all about it just like you guys are. It happened today, [so] I don't have enough information at this time.
"He does not play for me. He is not under my watch. I do have certain thoughts and feelings that...are personal and will stay that way until I share them with his family. If there needs to be a decision made at some time, I will make that decision. When I do, he and his family will know about it first, whatever that decision may be."
Eastern Alamance athletic director John Moon and North Carolina Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Communications Steve Kirschner could not be reached for comment.
Curry has reportedly been released on 40,000 dollar secured bond and will appear in district court in the near future.
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