Collison's return for senior season is big news for Bruins

UCLA point guard Darren Collison announced Saturday that he will return for his senior year.

The development is a huge boost for the Bruins, who are expected to lose Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook to the NBA Draft. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has also declared, but it's less clear whether he has any real intentions of remaining in the draft given that he -- unlike Love and Westbrook -- is not a guaranteed first-round pick.

It's worth noting that UCLA junior Josh Shipp might also declare without hiring an agent before Sunday's deadline.

Either way, UCLA will have at least one returning starter in Collison, who averaged 14.5 points and 3.8 assists this past season.

"I want to give myself the best possible chance to compete at the highest level," Collison said Saturday. "I have unfinished business here at UCLA, both in terms of my physical development and the completion of my education."

He'll likely join Tyler Hansbrough as a consensus All-America selection next season.