Arkansas freshman guard BJ Young will return to Arkansas for his sophomore season, he announced at the team’s postseason banquet Monday night on the UA campus.
“I had (the decision) this morning,” Young said. “I talked to my parents, told them what I wanted to do, and they supported me, so I feel good about it. It was a pretty difficult decision, it wasn’t the easiest I ever made, but I enjoy school a lot and I am not ready to go yet.”
Just over a week ago, Young submitted his name for consideration in the 2012 NBA Draft in order to gain feedback on his draft status from NBA scouts. Since he did not sign with an agent, Young reserved the right to withdraw his name as long as he did so by the April 10 deadline.
Young won the team’s Offensive Player of the Year Award, and was also presented with his trophies for achieving All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman Team honors. He led Arkansas with 15.3 points per game and shot over 50 percent from the field and 41 percent from the three-point line. Young led all SEC freshmen in scoring, and finished the year fourth in the league in field goal percentage.
Along with his SEC awards, Young also earned honorable mention All-SEC honors by the Associated Press, third-team All-SEC accolades by College Sports Madness, and USBWA All-District VII honors.
Obviously, head coach Mike Anderson was thrilled with Young’s decision.
“He and I had a chance to visit earlier today,” said Anderson. “I didn’t think it could be any more appropriate than to (announce his decision) tonight at our appreciation banquet. I wanted to make sure he had all the facts, and I know he put a lot of thought into it along with his family.”
