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CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Incoming North Carolina freshman John Henson was born in Greensboro, but he remembers little about growing up there.

But when his Tar Heel basketball career is over, Henson hopes his impact is significant enough for people in Greensboro and the rest of North Carolina not to forget him.

"I have family in Greensboro, Danville, Va., and the area in between," Henson said. "It is like going home. The Tar Heels were my team growing up, and now I have a chance to help continue their winning tradition."

Henson, a 6-foot-10, 200-pound power forward with an 88-inch wingspan, had no idea he would be athletic and talented enough to be the top prospect in a UNC recruiting class that includes David and Travis Wear and Dexter Strickland.

"I had a difficult time when I grew 6 inches in 18 months between 16 and 17," Henson said. "My knees, feet and heels always hurt. I grew faster than my body could adjust."

The four UNC recruits will display their talents tonight in the McDonald's All-America Game at the BankUnited Center. They all say they picked North Carolina because of the opportunities that next season could offer.

With Tyler Hansbrough, Danny Green and Bobby Frasor in their final season and doubt about Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington returning, minutes will be available next season.

"I want to play," said Henson who averaged 25 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks per game for Sickles High School in Tampa, Fla. "It's hard to contribute on the bench, but I know that I'll have to compete for minutes."

Henson's frame offers growth potential, but his athleticism and skills can make him an impact player until his body catches up. He and the Wear twins appear more comfortable facing the basket.

After four high schools in four states, Henson believes his career can blossom at North Carolina because he will remain in the same system.

"My father moved a lot because he was in human resources," Henson said. "I'm looking forward to settling down and developing."

Ed Davis and Tyler Zeller have gained experience as freshmen. Swingman Marcus Ginyard, who missed most of the season with a foot injury, also will be back.

Henson and the Wears could be left to compete for rotation minutes as reserves. Competition is nothing new to the Wears.

"We had a basket in front of our house," said 6-10, 225-pound David, who averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists for Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif., "and we went at each other like brothers do."

David and Travis Wear agreed that the brotherly competition made both players better.

"Almost every time we played, somebody ended up on the asphalt," David said. "We didn't give in to each other."

Neither Wear conceded anything when it came to competing for playing time.

"The style, talent, tradition and atmosphere were also attractive," said 6-10, 230-pound Travis, who averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. "We are inside-out players who can post up and run the court.

"We will compete to start, but we understand that we have a lot to learn. Our biggest job is to contribute to a winning team."

Strickland, who missed some games last season at St. Patrick High School (Elizabeth, N.J.) with knee surgery, is viewed as a combo guard at 6-3, 180 pounds, but talks more like a point guard.

"I want to get my teammates involved, distribute the ball and penetrate," said Strickland who averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. "My focus is interacting with my teammates and adjusting to North Carolina's tempo.

"The team will lose several great players, and our class will be expected to step in without losing a beat."

Said Henson: "It is really a question of how smooth we make the transition.

"I know that it will be different going from high school to college than from high school to high school, but this class can get it done."