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UConn point guard Shabazz Napier to return for senior season

Connecticut coach Kevin Ollie speaks with Shabazz Napier late in overtime of Connecticut’s 73-66 victory over Cincinnati in an NCAA college basketball game in Hartford, Conn., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

AP

UConn received some good news Friday morning, as point guard Shabazz Napier notified coaches of his intentions to return for his senior campaign.

And with guard Ryan Boatright and forward DeAndre Daniels deciding the same the Huskies should be a contender in the American Athletic Conference next season, with Louisville and Memphis being the likely preseason favorites.

“After many days of figuring out what decision was best for my family and me, I have decided to remain at UConn for my senior year,” Napier said in a statement released by the school. “I am very much looking forward to getting closer to receiving my college degree, as well as becoming a stronger leader for my teammates on and off the court.”
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Napier was a big reason why Kevin Ollie’s first season as head coach was a success despite a mass exodus from the program due to UConn being declared ineligible for postseason play. The point guard from Roxbury, Mass. averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game last season, leading the Huskies to 20 wins and a 9-9 record in the Big East.

With their three most talented players returning the question for UConn will once again be their front court. Daniels played well as an undersized four but the fact remains that the Huskies need to get more from their “true” big men.

Tyler Olander struggled for much of the 2012-13 season and it remains to be seen what will happen with Enosch Wolf after legal issues resulted in his being suspended in February. The charges against Wolf were dismissed last week. UConn adds signees Amida Brimah and Kentan Facey to the program, and rising sophomore Phil Nolan saw increased playing time late in the season.

But for the questions Ollie and his staff have to answer in the paint, there are no such issues on the perimeter with Napier leading the way.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.