Young dodges draft, will return

Pitt basketball fans may finally breathe again.

To-be senior Sam Young, whose 18.1… Pitt basketball fans may finally breathe again.

To-be senior Sam Young, whose 18.1 points per game led the men’s basketball team last year, announced Friday that he will not declare for the NBA Draft and will return for his senior year.

“With the players we have returning to the team, we have an opportunity to accomplish something special next year,” Young said in a press release.

“I can’t wait to get the season started.”

Young shot up on NBA mock draft boards as soon as last season ended. The 6-foot-6 forward won the Big East’s most improved player award and became the seventh all-Big East first-team selection in Pitt history.

He garnished Big East tournament MVP honors after leading Pitt to its second Big East tournament title. He averaged 20 points, seven rebounds and 2.5 blocks in that four-game stretch.

The Panthers will return three starters from last year’s 27-10 team. Young joins point guard Levance Fields and forward Tyrell Biggs in the 2008-09 senior class.

Pitt is still waiting to hear if forward Mike Cook, who tore his ACL Dec. 20 against Duke, will be granted an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA.