The prospects for next basketball season look even brighter after the Longhorns’ leading returning scorer, forward Damion James, announced Saturday he is taking his name out of consideration for the NBA draft and returning for his senior year.
James declared for the draft in April, but did not hire an agent, which allowed him the opportunity to come back to the team if scouts didn’t think he’d be a first-round pick.
After listening to the experts, James decided to come back and improve his game.
“This process has been a great learning experience,” James said. “I’ve been able to get a much better understanding of how the NBA works and what they are looking for from me. That will definitely help when I go through this process again next year.”
James led the team in rebounding (9.2 rpg) and double-doubles (16), and was second behind A.J. Abrams in scoring (15.4 ppg) last season.
“I’m excited to come back to Austin and be around my Texas Basketball family, because I’m really looking forward to this coming season,” James said.
James joins a team that returns post players Dexter Pittman and Gary Johnson, and guards Justin Mason, Varez Ward and Dogus Balbay. It also has a talented incoming freshman class, with the top-rated players at their respective positions in shooting guard Avery Bradley out of Findlay College Prep (Henderson, Nev.) and small forward Jordan Hamilton out of Dominguez (Calif.) High. University of Florida transfer point guard Jai Lucas is expected to play for the team next year.
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