Lehigh's C.J. McCollum returning for senior season

C.J. McCollum initially took advantage of his 30-point performance against Duke in the NCAA tournament and announced he would enter the NBA draft.

After looking at his options for the past two weeks, though, the Lehigh guard decided to return to the Mountain Hawks for his senior season.

“I must say it certainly has been gratifying to learn that there was a high likelihood I would have been drafted and had a chance to continue to my dream of playing in the NBA,” McCollum said in a statement he wrote for The Sporting News. “My family and I believe another year in college will be more beneficial for me on and off court.”

McCollum said that graduating from Lehigh next May is a major factor in his decision to come back for his final year, while he also thinks the Mountain Hawks can take yet another step in the NCAA tournament.

They beat Duke in the round of 64 this past season, but were bounced by Xavier in the round of 32.

“I feel like I still have unfinished business left at the collegiate level and have more to accomplish with this team,” McCollum said.

McCollum averaged 21.9 points this season, ranking fifth in the nation in scoring. He also grabbed 6.5 rebounds, dished out 3.5 assists and ranked fifth nationally with 2.6 steals per game.