Hasheem Thabeet has decided to return to UConn for his junior year and not test the NBA draft waters. Here's the statement released by UConn:

University of Connecticut sophomore men's basketball player Hasheem Thabeet will return for his junior season in 2008-09 and will not make himself eligible for the NBA Draft.

"I am excited about the opportunity to stay at UConn and continue the mission that we started this season," said Thabeet. "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."

"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."

Thabeet was named the 2007-08 NABC National Defensive Player of the Year and the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. He finished the year ranked No. 3 in the nation in blocked shots and is No. 2 all-time on the UConn career list, behind only Emeka Okafor.


Thabeet will meet with the media tomorrow at 1 p.m. to discuss his decision. See tomorrow's Register for more on this story.