Gilchrist opts to return to USF for senior year

USF leading scorer Augustus Gilchrist did not declare himself an early entry for the 2011 NBA Draft and will be returning for his senior year

The deadline to declare was Friday and the final list of early entries had 69 college underclassmen and 22 international players. Among the most notable opting to return to school was North Carolina freshman sensation Harrison Barnes and Ohio State's Jared Sullinger.

The 6-10 Gilchrist averaged 13.4 points per game last year and was the key factor in the Bulls frontcourt, which was the strongest part of their team. USF will now have seven of its top eight scorers returning losing only 6-11 center Jarrid Famous.

Players, who submit their names but do not hire an agent have until May 8th to withdraw and retain their college eligibility for next season.

Last year, 80 college players and 23 international players declared as early-entry candidates and 48 withdrew from the draft leaving 50 college players and five international players as the early-entry candidates.