Pitt's Young will return for senior season

PITTSBURGH (AP) -Pittsburgh forward Sam Young, the Big East's most improved player last season, will return for his senior year.

The 6-foot-7 Young weighed entering the NBA draft but, with two other starters back from last season's team that went 27-10, decided to finish his college career. Pitt also returns point guard Levance Fields and center DeJuan Blair.

"In discussing my options the last couple of weeks with Coach (Jamie) Dixon and my family, I feel that it is in my best interest to return to Pitt for my senior year," Young said in a statement issued by the school. "With the players we have returning to the team, we have an opportunity to accomplish something special next year. I can't wait to get the season started."

Young averaged 7.0 points as a sophomore, then was an all-Big East selection after averaging 18.1 points as a junior. He was chosen MVP of the Big East tournament as Pitt won four games in as many days to win the championship. The Panthers lost to Michigan State in the second round of the NCAA tournament.