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P.J. Hairston gets loudest ovation, shines at North Carolina’s Late Night with Roy (VIDEO)

P.J. Hairston

North Carolina guard P.J. Hairston shoots during a scrimmage at “Late Night With Roy,” a kickoff to the college basketball season in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

AP

P.J. Hairston’s offseason was well-documented, as the North Carolina junior guard couldn’t stay out of trouble. Even though it is unclear when Hairston will take the floor this season, he did appear in front of the Tar Heel faithful in uniform on Friday night for the program’s annual Late Night with Roy.

Despite his off-the-court issues this summer, Hairston drew the loudest ovation from the fans inside the Dean Dome during player introductions according to Andrew Carter of the News & Observer. The cheers only continued for Hairston during the Blue vs. White scrimmage with Hairston -- who led the Tar Heels with 14.6 points per game last season -- leading all scorers with 20 points during the 20-minute scrimmage that ended in a 50-50 tie.

“I think it was something that he [Hairston] probably appreciated,” North Carolina head coach Roy Williams told reporters on Friday night. “I did, too. He’s had a tough, tough time – the majority of it caused by himself. But he still has had a tough, tough time. And I liked the way he just came out and waved at everybody and touched his heart.

“It wasn’t any gyrations or any dancing, pounding his chest kind of thing.”

Hairston was not made available to the media.

On Sept. 26, Hairston was cleared to practice, although Williams has yet to announce how many games he will miss. Williams added that the NCAA will have some say in the suspension. The Tar Heels could end up playing Louisville in the fifth game of the season. That potential matchup will be followed by a game at Michigan State on Dec. 4 -- part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge -- and a home game against Kentucky on Dec. 14.

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