DAYTON, Ohio - University of Dayton junior forward Chris Wright has announced that he is withdrawing his name from this year’s NBA draft and is returning to the Flyers for his senior campaign. Wright, the leading scorer and rebounder for UD’s 2010 NIT championship team, announced he was entering his name in the draft on April 7 but did not sign with an agent which allowed him to retain his collegiate eligibility.
"I have decided to return to UD for my senior season and have pulled my name out of this year’s NBA draft,” Wright said. "When I announced I was investigating the draft, I said my three main goals as a Dayton Flyer were to graduate, to raise the national profile of our program, and to put myself in position to play at the highest level. I’m excited about accomplishing these three goals."
"Going through this process was a learning experience for me and I really appreciate the advice I received. I also want to thank my family and coach Gregory for the support and guidance they gave me as I came to this decision,” Wright added. “I love the University of Dayton and where our program is headed. I can’t wait for next year."
“As the University of Dayton basketball coach, I’m happy to have Chris back to finish up what already has been an excellent college career," UD head coach Brian Gregory said. “At the same time, I’m very proud of the approach he took in reaching this decision. Chris and his family knew they had my full support in any decision that was made.
“Although he received a lot of positive feedback from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee and teams have called to set up workouts for next week, Chris’ desire to graduate, continue to develop as a player and to lead our team next year were the deciding factors for him. His maturity throughout this process was amazing."
Wright averaged 13.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in leading the Flyers to a 25-12 overall record. UD’s team MVP and a First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, Wright also led the team in minutes (28.6), dunks (a school-record 68), blocked shots (a school-record 53), free throws attempted (185) and free throws made (125). He led UD with 29 double-figure games in 2009-10.
The Flyers have won 75 games since Wright came to the University of Dayton campus for the 2007-08 seasons. With Wright in the lineup, Dayton has defeated 10 BCS teams, including four straight in this year’s run to the NIT title. At UD Arena, the Flyers have won 44 of their last 46 games with the Trotwood native in the lineup.
Dayton returns nine letterwinners from last year’s 25-12 team, including Wright and NIT MVP Chris Johnson. Johnson was second to Wright on the team in scoring (11.9) and rebounding (6.9) and led UD in FT% (.848, 84-99). He was the Atlantic 10’s Chris Daniels Memorial Most Improved Player Award winner in 2010.
