Kaminsky says he's returning to Wisconsin for senior year

By foxsports
Published

The thought of Frank Kaminsky heading to the NBA after his sophomore season probably would have raised some eyebrows. But after a stellar junior season in which he stood out in the NCAA tournament, no one would have rolled their eyes if Kaminsky decided to go pro.

But Friday, Kaminsky confirmed he'll be returning to Wisconsin for his season season.

"It was a tough decision, but I think the best thing for me is to stay another year and develop even more," Kaminsky told ESPN.com. "I made a commitment to the school and I don't think I can turn my back on the people who have been there for me."

Kaminsky's dad, Frank, told FOX Sports Wisconsin's Jesse Temple before the Final Four that any disucssion of the NBA would wait until after the tournament was over.

"What we agreed was that there will be no conversation about that until we win the national championship," his dad said. "And then he and I will sit down with his mom and uncle, who was involved in the NBA for years, and some other close friends.

"And what we're going to do at that point is do some research and present Frankie with the plusses and the minuses. He's got to make a decision based on facts. Whatever he decides to do, whether he decides to go or stay, as his dad, I've got his back covered."

In 38 games for the Badgers in the 2013-14 season, all of which he started, Kaminsky averaged 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds. This came after a sophomore season in which he played 32 games (with two starts) averaging 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds.

In the NCAA tournament, Kaminsky was named the NCAA West Region's Most Outstanding player. Overall in the tournament, he averaged 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8  blocks.

Earlier in the season, he set a Wisconsin single-game record by scoring 43 points in a win over North Dakota on Nov. 19.

"I don't think a couple good tournament games are enough for me for my career," Kaminsky added. "I still have a lot left to prove and I think we are going to have a great team next season."

Wisconsin is widely regarded as a likely top-5 team heading into next season with Ben Brust the only key loss.