COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NORTH CAROLINA’S WRIGHT HEADING FOR NBA DRAFT

Brandan Wright enjoyed playing for Roy Williams and knew North Carolina could contend for a national championship next season. He just couldn’t pass on the chance to take care of his family by entering the NBA draft.

“I was definitely torn in my decision,” the freshman said yesterday during a news conference. “There are so many positives and negatives in me entering the draft. But I feel like the positives outweigh the negatives.”

The 6-foot-9 forward’s decision didn’t come as a big surprise considering he is projected to be a high pick. And while Wright said he doesn’t intend to sign with an agent yet — a move that would keep open the possibility of a return to school next year — Williams said the 19-year-old was almost certain to remain in the draft.

BASEBALL

SEATTLE PLACES ACE RIGHTY HERNANDEZ ON 15-DAY DL

The Seattle Mariners placed ace right-hander Felix Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list yesterday, shelving their hard-throwing 21-year-old until at least May 4.

Hernandez left his start Wednesday night against Minnesota after getting just one out. He allowed three runs, walked two, threw a wild pitch that scored a run, then waved trainers out to the mound to remove him from the game. Hernandez was diagnosed with a muscle strain inside his right elbow and forearm, and was kept from throwing for five days.

Hernandez threw from 75 feet for eight minutes on Monday as Seattle opened a two-game series in Texas, then was put on the DL, retroactive to April 19. Seattle recalled right-hander Cha Seung Baek from Triple-A Tacoma to start Monday night against the Rangers.