SALT LAKE CITY — As expected, David Collette will be returning to the University of Utah basketball team for his senior campaign.
The big man from Murray, who joined the Runnin' Utes after beginning his career at Utah State, removed his name from consideration for June 22's NBA draft, the school confirmed Wednesday, which was the deadline for players to withdraw.
Collette had entered his name but maintained that he would not hire an agent and be back on the hill next season. He went through a workout with the Utah Jazz on Tuesday alongside former college teammate Kyle Kuzma and four others.
"I expect him to be an all-conference player next year for sure," Kuzma said of Collette on Tuesday. "He's going to have to."
Collette averaged 13.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in 22 games as a junior after he had to miss the first nine because of the timing of his transfer to Utah.
He made national headlines in 2015 after he decided to leave Utah State two days before the season opener, citing a failing relationship with new head coach Tim Duryea.