North Carolina quarterback Ronald Curry could be leaning toward playing basketball this season rather than using that time to prepare for the NFL draft.

Curry, the Tar Heels starting point guard last season, told the Charlotte Observer on Tuesday he "most likely" will practice with the basketball team before deciding.

"It depends on how I feel when the time comes," Curry said. "I feel like I may go out -- most likely go out -- to start practice and get a feel of it."

Without Curry, the UNC basketball team doesn't have a clear starter at the point. The most likely candidate is sophomore Adam Boone, with sophomore Brian Morrison, freshman Melvin Scott and junior Jonathan Holmes in the mix.

Curry couldn't join the basketball team full time until football season ends Dec. 1. If the Tar Heels (3-3) qualify for a bowl game, that date probably would be pushed back another month.

He said he has remained in contact with basketball coach Matt Doherty.

"When we talk, we don't talk about me coming back," Curry said. "(He says), 'Stay focused on football right now. When the decision comes, it comes.'"

Curry said he hasn't necessarily changed his mind since the summer, when he seemed to close the door on his UNC basketball career.

"I always considered (playing basketball again)," he said. "The basketball question always comes up, and I wanted to let you know I was focusing on football. I'm still focused on it."