Kenny Is Staying In Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. -- Kenny Lawson Jr. has withdrawn from the National Basketball Association draft and will return for his senior season as a member of the Creighton University men's basketball team.

Lawson had filed his paperwork declaring for the draft on April 8th. Players that do not sign with an agent have until Saturday to decide whether to return to school or keep their name in the draft.

A 6-9 center from Oceanside, Calif., Lawson earned second-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors as a junior after leading Creighton in scoring (13.1 ppg.), rebounding (6.8 rpg.), blocked shots (1.5 bpg.) and field goal percentage (.538). He is a two-time member of the MVC's All-Defensive Team.

He will enter the 2010-11 season as the Missouri Valley Conference's active leader in games started (88), rebounds (547) and blocked shots (134) while also ranking among the top-six in points (953, fourth), field goal percentage (.534, sixth), free throws made (197, sixth).

"Kenny had a strong junior campaign and we are looking forward to his return to Creighton next season," said new head coach Greg McDermott. "We are hopeful that this process has given him a better understanding of some areas that he needs to work on and that he will apply that knowledge to have a terrific senior year."

Creighton finished the 2009-10 season with an 18-16 record and made a 13th straight postseason appearance. Last Tuesday the school announced the hiring of McDermott.