UCLA Basketball: Breaking News, Jordan Adams Returning

According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, sophomore Jordan Adams has decided to forgo the NBA draft, and return to lead the Bruins next season.

This isn't a surprise (read here), however, we were all sweating it out for a moment.

The 6'5" sophomore wing man averaged 17.5 ppg last season.

Let's hope this early call is right. Bruin Basketball wouldn't be the same without our big favorite.

Thanks Jordan!

Update  (Menelaus): From the official site:

UCLA men's basketball sophomore Jordan Adams will remain in Westwood for his junior season in 2014-15 and will not enter the 2014 NBA Draft, it was announced today.

Adams earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2013-14, leading the Bruins in scoring with 17.4 points per game. He finished his sophomore campaign as the team's second-leading rebounder (5.3 rpg) and set the school's single-season steals record, compiling 95 steals in 36 games.

"I've had so much fun playing here at UCLA, and I'm really excited about the team we're going to have next year," Adams said. "Once the season ended, my family and I began carefully weighing all of my options. In the end, staying at UCLA for my junior year is a win-win situation. I'm glad that I went through the process, received constructive feedback and had time to reflect on what I truly want. I love being a Bruin. I'm looking forward to getting back in the gym and the weight room to get better, and I can't wait for next season."

Now there will be no excuse if the Bruins fail to contend for the conference title or stumble in Steve-16 again. Pointing to Bryce Alford for running the show will not work for Alford lovers. It's on Salford that Balford will be running UCLA next year.

Here's Jeff Eisenberg at Yahoo Sports:

The big question mark for UCLA remains the point guard position, which is in flux after Kyle Anderson left early for the NBA and the Bruins failed to land any of their top recruiting targets at the position last year. Sophomore-to-be Bryce Alford will be one of the candidates at that position. Hamilton also could spend time at point guard if he proves he can distribute in addition to score. It's also possible UCLA could scour the transfer market in search of a short-term stopgap.

Whoever the point guard is, the presence of Adams will make him look better.

Adams averaged 17.4 points per game as a sophomore, showcasing an ability to score off the dribble, via mid-range jumpers or from behind the arc. He also is an effective rebounder for a guard and has a knack for getting in the passing lanes and creating steals that lead to fast-break points.

As Adams said, his decision to return could be win-win for him and UCLA.

If he can improve his body and the consistency of his jump shot, he could solidify himself as a first-round pick in 2015. And he could also lead the Bruins to a memorable season in the process.