Ellis decides to stay at Kansas -- and it's for all the right reasons

Published Apr. 13, 2015 10:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Make all the old-man cracks ya like, Big 12. Perry Ellis is still a junior. And the Kansas basketball star still thinks he has more names to take -- and more tails to kick.

"There's still a lot left on the table," Ellis reportedly told those assembled at the Jayhawks' postseason awards banquet in Lawrence, Kan., on Monday, affirming his return for a senior season. "And I feel like it would be best for me to come back."

Ellis received the team's "Danny Manning Mr. Jayhawk Award" after leading the squad in scoring (13.8 points per game) and rebounding (6.9 per contest) in 2014-15.

The 6-foot-8 Wichita native saved his best for the dog days of February, averaging 19.1 points and 8.1 boards over eight contests that month. But March proved bittersweet; Ellis injured his right knee late in the first half of a win over West Virginia on March 3 in the regular-season home finale and didn't return to the lineup for 10 days, taking the court again during a Big 12 tourney semifinal victory over Baylor.

But the junior was clearly hobbled and slowed by a protective brace thereafter. Ellis lacked his usual explosion and touch near the rim, shooting just 34.1 percent from the floor for the month and 32.4 percent on 2-point attempts.

Whether because of the knee or in spite of it, Ellis was considered a fringe second-round selection in most mainstream mock NBA drafts. The pro jump is a business decision in most cases, and when the money talks -- as it was with freshman Kelly Oubre, a likely lottery pick -- you walk.

That same money isn't on speaking terms with Ellis at the moment, so back he comes. With a chance to finish what he started -- academically and competitively.

Which could be really, really good for him, health permitting. And even better for the Jayhawks (27-9, 13-5 Big 12), who return four of five March starters -- incoming freshman-to-be forward Carlton Bragg, a new center, or a wing threat could take over Oubre's slot -- in their pursuit of a 12th straight Big 12 title.

Ellis has played a role in the last three league crowns, but he also hasn't made it out of the NCAA Tournament's first full weekend in each of the last two years. So, indeed, there is something left on the table for Big No. 34. Something large. Large and unfinished.

You can follow Sean Keeler on Twitter at @SeanKeeler or email him at seanmkeeler@gmail.com.