Ralph Sampson III has removed his name from the NBA draft and will return for his senior season at Minnesota.
Sampson made the announcement on Monday. Coach Tubby Smith says the 7-foot forward entered his name in the draft to ''test the waters.'' He attended a pre-draft workout with other prospects before making the decision.
Sampson consulted with his family, including former Virginia superstar Ralph Sampson, and ultimately decided to return for his final season.
The younger Sampson averaged 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks for the Golden Gophers last season.
Smith has routinely advised some of his younger players to put their names in the draft to give them the experience of going up against some of the top talent in the country at various pre-draft workouts.
