McNeal opts out of NBA draft, returning to Marquette

May 22, 2008 - 8:20 PM MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Jerel McNeal withdrew his name from the NBA draft and will return for his senior season at Marquette, the school announced Thursday.

McNeal made himself eligible for the draft in late April, but because he opted not to hire an agent the guard had the chance to return to school. The deadline for withdrawing is June 16.

"I made the decision yesterday after weighing all of my options," McNeal said. "I felt it was in my best interest to come back and accomplish some of the goals I have set for myself and get better, both on the court and academically."

The 6-3 guard is coming off a breakout season in which he led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 14.9 points. He also averaged 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.2 steals in starting all 35 games.

With McNeal's decision, Marquette brings back four starters from a squad that went 25-10 last season and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

"I am looking forward to being with my teammates and with the core of guys we have returning, we are all working hard to prepare for an even more successful season next year," McNeal said.

The Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2007, McNeal was named to the league's second team this past season.