Apr 25, 2015 10:05 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Big 12 Player of the Year is returning to Oklahoma for his senior season, passing up a solid shot at being drafted in the first round.

According to ESPN, Buddy Hield projected to be selected in the first round, though probably not highly. Lon Kruger, Oklahoma's head men's basketball coach, was understandably excited to get his leading scorer back.

"Very happy for Buddy," he said in a statement. "He's meant so much to the program and obviously he wants to finish some business, get that degree and spend another year with his teammates and Sooner fans. He's a smart guy and understands this gives him a chance to continue to make great progress.

"This is something we've been discussing every day and after getting lots of information he made a decision that he thinks gives him the best chance for long-range success."

Oklahoma lost the Big 12 title game to Iowa State and entered the NCAA Tournament as a three-seed. Hield, a six-foot-four guard, led the way with 17 points, five rebounds and two assists per game.

Hield's offensive output has improved every season thus far, as has his volume of shots. His return could make him an intriguing draft choice this time next year, as well as immediately making Oklahoma a Big 12 favorite for the season to come.

"I'm on a great team and we have a lot of unfinished business," Hield said in the statement. "I just can't wait to see what's in store for next year. I want to go to the Final Four. That's always been a dream for me. Playing with these guys, for my coaches and for my university is a lot of fun. I've been with Isaiah (Cousins) and Ryan (Spangler) for three years and Jordan (Woodard) for two. We've got some young pieces. This is a fun group and bonding with them has been a big part of my life. Getting my degree is also really, really important to me."

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