UConn C Thabeet to remain in school

Apr 26, 2007, 17:35 GMT

Storrs, CT - Connecticut freshman center Hasheem Thabeet announced on Thursday that he will return for his sophomore season and not enter the NBA Draft.

'I look forward to continuing my education as a person and as an athlete,' said Thabeet. 'We have all been working very hard since the season ended and will continue doing everything we can to get better each day and have a great season next year.'

Thabeet started all 31 games for the Huskies last season, averaging 6.2 points and 6.4 rebounds. His 3.8 blocked shots per game ranked No.1 in the Big East and No. 3 in the nation.

'We obviously have high expectations for Hasheem in the coming year,' said UConn coach Jim Calhoun. 'He had a very good freshman year for us and showed great improvement as the year went on. He has the opportunity to take it to the next level during this coming summer and heading into next season and can really be a big part of our team achieving success in the future.'

Thabeet's 119 blocked shots are the second most by a freshman in school history, ranking only behind Emeka Okafor. He also tied the UConn single game record of 10 blocked shots in a win over Texas Southern, equaling the mark set by Okafor and Donyell Marshall.

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