University of Hawaii basketball guard/forward Roderick Flemings, who had intended to enter the NBA draft, said today he will return to UH to play his senior season.

"In an effort to be evaluated by NBA teams, I intended to submit my name for the 2009 NBA draft," Flemings said in a press statement. "I expressed my intentions to the NBA in writing, however, the process was not completed and I will not be entering the draft this season.

"I will return for my senior year at UH to work on my game for the 2010 NBA draft. With our new recruits and the returning players, we have a chance to be a very good team and I believe my draft prospects will only improve."

Players interested in entering the NBA draft had to submit their intentions by April 26. The league office said it had not received his paperwork for early entry and "the deadline has come and gone."

Said UH coach Bob Nash: "We are pleased to have Roderick back for next season, and I think he will benefit from an additional year of collegiate basketball.

"With a great season in 2009-10 he should improve his draft chances and the new Diamond Head Classic will also give him additional exposure. Academically, it will also keep him on track to graduate, and that pleases me the most."