Kennedy Meeks will return to UNC for his senior season, the school announced on Wednesday.

In his first three seasons, Meeks has averaged 9.4 points and 6.5 rebounds and shot 55.4 percent from the floor in 104 games.  He has started 77 of those 104 games, including 28 games in the 2015-2016 season.

Meeks was one of two Tar Heel underclassmen to declare for the NBA Draft.  Because he did not sign with an agent, he still had the option to return for his senior season of college basketball.

Justin Jackson also declared for the NBA Draft.  Like Meeks, he did not sign with an agent which means he can return to play for the Tar Heels if he chooses.  Unlike Meeks, Jackson received an invitation to next week’s NBA Combine.  He is allowed to participate in that event and does not have to make his final decision until May 25.  The draft is June 23.

Meeks explained his decision in a statement:

“I’m thankful I had the chance to explore my draft options, but I’m excited about the opportunity to rejoin my teammates and work toward having another outstanding season at UNC.  I appreciate the support my coaches and teammates gave me during this process as we gathered information about my professional opportunities at this time. The feedback on what I have to work on so that I can have a great senior year, help my team have a great season and be ready to take that next step is invaluable.”

“Kennedy did the right thing in taking the time to see where he stood with the NBA Draft at this point in his career, an opportunity we encourage all of our players to take,” says Carolina head coach Roy Williams in a release. “I think Kennedy’s made the right decision in returning to school to finish his degree and put himself in better position toward playing professional basketball, which is his dream. If he works hard this summer, he can have a big-time senior season and also help our team reach its goals.”

Kennedy Meeks needs only 19 points in his senior campaign to become the 73rd 1,000-point scorer in Carolina history.

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