Since a kid, Shea Rush loved watching North Carolina and head coach Roy Williams. Now, Rush will be playing in the Tar Heel blue.

Rush, a 6-foot-6 senior forward for Barstow, announced on Sunday after attending UNC's romp of Pittsburgh, that he will attend and play at North Carolina as a preferred walk-on. Current Tar Heel freshman Luke Maye also elected to play at UNC under the same status, then received a full scholarship before the season.

"I'm just excited to be on the team, and working hard every day for a scholarship," said Rush. "With hard work, it can happen."

While Rush, who averages 16.5 ppg, 10.2 rebounds and over two blocks per game while helping Barstow to a Missouri Class 3 title last year, didn't garner a Division I offer before the season, did have discussions since October with UNC about possibilities. Coupled with an improving game and strong academics, including a ACT of 31, Rush made for a good fit for Williams' program.

"He appreciated who I was and the character. That's why he thought I'd be a great fit for the team," Rush stated. "(Coach) is top-notch in character and that's what he's all about. That's the whole reason I've liked him since I was growing up. He has a demeanor about him that's loving and caring and a good person."

Shea's father, JaRon, was a high school standout at Pembroke Hill in the mid-1990s and was recruited by Williams during his tenure at Kansas. JaRon eventually went to UCLA, and Shea's uncle, Brandon, starred at Kansas.

"He's absolutely ecstatic," Shea said of his dad. "He's so happy and proud. He would've just as excited and proud if wasn't playing basketball and just went to college as a student. There's been a lot of pressure to do well since he was a big-time player, and I'm glad I'm able to play because I love the game."

While Carolina may be on the mind this weekend, Rush remains focused on a return to defend Barstow's state title alongside standouts Jeriah Horne (Nebraska commit) and junior point guard Jacob Gilyard.

"I owe my success to my team," Rush said. "Without Jacob, I wouldn't be the player I am today. I absolutely love the guys and playing with them. The last four years have been special and if we win back-to-back titles, that will be a big deal. It's something I'm definitely going to miss and will cherish the last few games as best as can."