Deshaun Thomas to Return for his Junior Season

From the press release,

“Deshaun, his family and our coaching staff have spent the last week evaluating his future,” Matta said. “Deshaun determined he wants to remain a Buckeye. We are looking forward to building on the success our team enjoyed in 2011-12 with Deshaun playing a significant role next year.”

A statement from Thomas was also released,

“We have a great team returning next season and I want to be a part of another championship run,” Thomas said. “My family, my coaches and I looked at my future as a professional but I love being a Buckeye and want to continue my education and development as a player and as a person at Ohio State.

“If I do have an opportunity to play basketball professionally, I want to have an immediate impact,” Thomas said. “Working with my teammates and coaches at Ohio State will help me achieve my future goals.”

Thomas will be the top returning scorer for the Buckeyes this season having scored 619 points through 39 games this season, just 38 points shy of Sullinger’s team leading 647 points. He will provide a significant scoring option for the Buckeyes while they attempt to replace multi-year starters Jared Sullinger and William Buford.