Fair returning to Syracuse

Apr 24, 2013 - 7:05 PM Syracuse, NY (Sports Network) - Syracuse forward C.J. Fair has decided to return for his senior season.

Fair was a second-team All-Big East Conference selection this past season and had been considering entry to the NBA Draft.

"After talking it over with my family and my coaches, I decided another year at Syracuse was best for me," said Fair on Wednesday. "I'm excited about working hard with my teammates to put together another great season and graduating has also been a goal of mine."

Fair led Syracuse in scoring and rebounding during the 2012-13 season, averaging 14.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in 40 games. He helped the Orange to a record of 30-10 and a trip to the Final Four.

"This is great news for our basketball program and for C.J.," said Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim. "I believe he's just going to keep getting better and better as a basketball player and earning his degree is important."

The Baltimore native averaged 8.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 37 games, starting just nine, as a sophomore and contributed 6.4 points with 3.8 rebounds in 32 games off the bench as a freshman.