By JACK LeGWIN
Special to ZAGSBLOG
Willie Cauley-Stein has announced that he will return to Kentucky for his junior year.
The big man tweeted Monday evening: “I’m proud to say I’m coming back for my junior year. I still have an empty spot to fulfill and in no rush to leave the best fans in the USA!”
Cauley-Stein averaged 6.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in his second year playing for the Wildcats, before having to sit out of the Final Four with an injured ankle.
“I want to come back and have a chance to win a national championship, while also getting closer to earning my degree,” Cauley-Stein said. “Being at the Final Four this year was special, but not being able to help my teammates on the floor was tough. I look forward to helping us get back there next year, while playing in front of the best fans in the nation.”
Wildcats Head Coach John Calipari applauded Cauley-Stein for his decision.
“I’m happy for Willie and also proud of him for making the best decision for him and his family,” Calipari said. “Being in school for at least three years will get him closer to having a degree and will help him prepare for the next level and life afterwards.”
Cauley-Stein announcing that he will stay means Kentucky will have a crowded frontcourt with incoming freshmen Trey Lyles and Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as Dakari Johnson, Alex Poythress, Marcus Lee and Derek Willis possibly all returning to Lexington next year.
Cauley-Stein was ranked third amongst sophomores, and was projected to be the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by Draft Express.
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