Ohio State's Thomas to return for junior season

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Deshaun Thomas will not be joining Ohio State teammate Jared Sullinger in the NBA - yet.

Thomas said Friday he will return for his junior season. Two days earlier, Sullinger, also a sophomore and a two-time All-American, said he would give up his last two years of eligibility to enter the NBA draft.

Coach Thad Matta said in a school statement that Thomas, his family and the coaching staff spent the last week evaluating his draft prospects.

The 6-foot-7 forward from Fort Wayne, Ind., averaged 15.9 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Buckeyes, who went 31-8 and lost in the national semifinals.

Updated April 6, 2012