The Daily Campus

Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ryan Sayers Hasheem Thabeet announced that he will be returning for his junior season in Storrs.

Hasheem Thabeet is staying in Storrs.

The 7-foot-3 sophomore has decided to not to declare for the NBA Draft and will return for his junior season at UConn.

"I am excited about the opportunity to stay at UConn and continue the mission that we started this season," Thabeet said. "I also want to thank my family and close friends for all of their help and support. As a team, we took a step in the right direction this year, but I look forward to us working together to win a Big East championship and making a run at a national championship. I really enjoy being here, getting a great education and spending time with my friends and teammates."

The reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Thabeet started all but one game for the Huskies, averaging 10. 5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.5 blocks a game.

"We are happy that Hasheem has made the decision to return for his junior season," said head coach Jim Calhoun. "Hasheem has made as much progress as any player I have coached in my 36 years and if he continues that incredible progress, he will help us take the next step as a team and help himself become one of the best players in college basketball."

Contact Justin Verrier at Justin.Verrier@UConn.edu.

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