Kilpatrick will return to UC for senior season

Happy (whatever holiday is next), Mick Cronin.

Word of Cronin's gift became official Wednesday when the Cincinnati coach announced that Kilpatrick will return to school for his senior season. The Bearcats' leading scorer and best player said it wasn't an easy decision, but that it was the best one.

I want to thank my coach and thank my parents for helping me through this process, UC let's do it 1 more time! #BEARCATNATION #DREAMCHASERS
— Sean Kilpatrick (@SeanKilpatrick_) April 10, 2013

He wants to be the first person in his family to get his college degree, and he has basketball goals, too. He'll enter his final season as Cincinnati's 16th all-time leading scorer and should have the green light to climb the charts. He averaged 17 points per game last season.

Wednesday night the Bearcats held their season-ending banquet, and Cronin announced Kilpatrick -- a two-time pick as second-team All-Big East -- will be a team captain next season.

"This has always been the place for Sean," Cronin said. "He is a player that is a complete success story. As driven as SK is that was his goal this year (to leave after his junior season). But he is mature enough to understand the benefits of improving and getting his degree."