LOS ANGELES -- UCLA forward Jason Kapono has decided to
return for his sophomore year, withdrawing his name from
consideration Friday for the 2000 NBA Draft.
Kapono announced on May 13 that he would join fellow UCLA
underclassmen JaRon Rush and Jerome Moiso in the June 28 draft.
But the 6-7, 199-pounder did not sign with an agent and has
decided to come back to the Bruins after leading them in scoring
with 16.0 points per game as a true freshman.
"I had a lot of things to consider," Kapono said. "I believe I
would have been a first-round selection in this draft. The
deciding factor for me was being able to come back to UCLA, be
with my teammates, play for the Bruins and continue my college
experience and education."
Kapono had hinted that his original decision was not etched in
stone, claiming he would "test the waters" before hiring an
agent. He had until Wednesday to withdraw his name.
The former McDonald's High School All-American sent an
official letter to the NBA Friday, announcing his decision.
A graduate of Artesia High School in Lakewood, Calif.,
Kapono grabbed 4.4 rebounds and handed out 1.9 assists during
his standout freshman campaign. He scored a career-high 27
points in a victory over Southern California on February 9.
"Of course we are very pleased to have Jason returning to our
team," UCLA coach Steve Lavin said. "Jason was very deliberate
in his approach to exploring his future in basketball at the
next level. Jason decided that even though he would be a
first-round draft choice this year, he wanted to come back to
our UCLA family for another year of education and basketball.
"As our leading scorer from last season, his return solidifies
our chances of again being one of the nation's top teams for the
coming season."
Kapono led all Pac-10 Conference freshmen in scoring and set a
single-season school record with 82 3-pointers.
He, senior guard Earl Watson and junior center Dan Gadzuric will
be the Bruins' three returning starters. UCLA advanced to the
Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament last season before losing to
Iowa State.
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