MATT HEISTAND/Arizona Daily Wildcat Arizona guard Jason Gardner brings the ball upcourt last season in McKale Center. The junior announced yesterday that he will return to the team next season rather than declare for the NBA Draft.

Jason Gardner made official yesterday what many had expected all along - he will forsake the NBA draft and return to the Wildcat basketball team next season.

The junior guard, who joined four former teammates in declaring for the draft last season but withdrew after the pre-draft camps, said that another year at UA will only improve his draft status.

"Playing in the NBA is still a dream of mine, but I really enjoy being in college and playing with my teammates," Gardner said. "I can't think of a better way of getting ready for a career on the next level than to spend another year playing for (head) coach (Lute) Olson."

Olson said the announcement came as no surprise and that he felt his starting point guard made the right decision.

"It's not an unexpected decision, but we are glad that he's decided to return," Olson said. "Jason has done a good job of researching his draft prospects, and we think that he's made a wise decision."

Gardner said both the advice of his confidants and the program's history of churning out marquee guards factored into his decision.

"After doing a lot of research and talking with people that I trust, I think it's best for me to return (to Arizona)," Gardner said. "(Olson) has helped put a lot of guys into the NBA, and I hope to be his next top-five pick. After four great years here at Arizona, I know I'll be ready to take that next step."

The 5-foot-10 Indianapolis native led UA in scoring last year with 20.4 points while also averaging 4.6 assists and 38.2 minutes. He posted the third-highest season total for three-point field goals (106) in Arizona history and was instrumental in leading the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen. Gardner garnered three different All-America honors in recognition of his efforts this season.

Newly promoted assistant coach Josh Pastner said that Gardner's return will benefit the team's prospects for next season.

"We're all happy and excited. The point guard is quarterback of the team, and very rarely do you find one as good as (Gardner) as a senior that has the experience he has," Pastner said. "Him staying helps keep our goal of a national championship intact."

With Gardner's announcement, the Wildcats return every starter from last year's Pacific 10 Conference Tournament champions, as well as virtually all of its scoring and rebounding forces. The only departing member of last season's team is Peter Hansen, a two-sport senior.

But basketball wasn't the only reason Gardner cited for his return.

"A year from now, I'll have my degree in education and another year of experience," Gardner said.