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Kris Wilkes to return to UCLA for sophomore season

NCAA Basketball Tournament - First Four - Dayton

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 13: Kris Wilkes #13 of the UCLA Bruins reacts against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies during the second half of the First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 13, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

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UCLA got a big boost on Tuesday as sophomore Kris Wilkes opted to return to school for his sophomore season.

A 6-foot-8 wing, Wilkes averaged 13.7 points and 4.9 boards while shooting 35.2 percent from three, but he did not prove himself to be a guaranteed first round pick. Second round picks get guaranteed deals more often than in the past, but there was no guarantee that Wilkes would have landed near the top of the second round, either.

The news was first reported by ESPN.

A lanky scorer that has yet to prove his merit on the defensive end of the floor, the question NBA scouts had was where he fit at the next level. In an era where defensive versatility and floor-spacing ability is prioritized, Wilkes could stand to improve his shooting and add some weight.

The Bruins are still awaiting word on Jaylen Hands and Cody Riley, both of whom declared for the draft.