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Memphis forward Lawson to return for sophomore season

Dedric Lawson, Shonn Miller, Daniel Hamilton

Memphis forward Dedric Lawson (1) goes up for a shot between Connecticut forward Shonn Miller (32) and guard Daniel Hamilton, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the finals of the American Athletic Conference men’s tournament in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, March 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

AP

Less than a week after going through the NBA Draft Combine, one of the most productive freshmen in the country last season has decided to return for his sophomore campaign.

Memphis forward Dedric Lawson, who earlier this spring went back and forth on whether or not to enter his name into the Draft (his father’s status on staff could have played a role in that), will return to school to play for new head coach Tubby Smith. Lawson’s decision was first reported by CBSSports.com.

Last season Lawson averaged 15.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, earning American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year honors as a result. With head coach Josh Pastner leaving for Georgia Tech the question many had was what would happen with Lawson’s father, who was an assistant each of the last two seasons, when Smith was hired from Texas Tech.

Ultimately the changing of an NCAA rule allowed Smith to reassign the elder Lawson to keep him in the fold, albeit in a non-coaching role. Dedric went on to go through the pre-Draft process to get feedback from NBA scouts and executives, with the decision being made that another year in college would be best for him. Lawson’s return gives Memphis a clear go-to option offensively, and he has the talent to (at minimum) make a run at conference Player of the Year honors in 2016-17.