June 9, 2009

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) - One-time Big East freshman of the year Scottie Reynolds has decided to end his career as a senior leader.

Reynolds, the star point guard who in March led Villanova to its first Final Four appearance since the Wildcats won the 1985 national championship, announced Tuesday he has removed his name from the NBA draft and will return for his final college season.

"The best decision for me is to return to Villanova for my senior year," Reynolds said. "I'm blessed to be in the situation I am in. I'm happy to be back at Villanova."

Reynolds averaged 15.2 points per game last season. His dash down the court and layup with 0.5 seconds left stunned top-seeded Pittsburgh in the NCAA regional final before the Wildcats lost in the national semifinals to eventual champion North Carolina.

Reynolds submitted his name for the draft pool but remained in school and didn't hire an agent. He had until June 15 to withdraw from the draft and retain his collegiate eligibility.

Villanova coach Jay Wright said the pre-draft workouts were a good experience for Reynolds, who will return to a program that boasts a recruiting class featuring a pair of McDonald's All-Americans in guards Dominic Cheek and Maalik Wayns.

"(Reynolds) is focused on becoming a great senior leader in our program," Wright said. "He has great respect for the tradition here and I know he'll embrace this role."