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Senior Dijon Thompson will return to lead the basketball team this season.

Dijon Thompson confirmed that he will remain at UCLA for his senior season on June 16, withdrawing his name from consideration for the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 swingman’s decision came as no surprise. Even as he announced his intentions to evaluate his draft status in April, Thompson, who attended the Chicago Pre-Draft camp earlier this month, said that he expected to return to Westwood and fulfill his collegiate eligibility. “By going to Chicago I was able to get evaluated,” said Thompson, UCLA’s leading scorer last year. “I was advised that one year back in school, to develop my body and touch-up on some skills, will put me in a better position next year to hopefully get into the first round.” Thompson, a two-year starter for the Bruins, returns to a logjam in the backcourt. UCLA coach Ben Howland will have freshmen Arron Afflalo and Josh Shipp at the wing position in addition to returning seniors Thompson, Brian Morrison and Janou Rubin. Howland said the experience in Chicago benefited Thompson. “He has made overall improvement since our season ended,” Howland said. “He's been lifting consistently and has worked very hard at improving his game.” Had Thompson decided to remain in the draft and hire an agent, he would have been the second Bruin to depart this offseason. Freshman Trevor Ariza entered the draft and was selected by the New York Knicks with the 43rd pick.

SCHEDULE RELEASED: Eight 2003-04 NCAA Tournament teams highlight this year’s UCLA men’s basketball schedule that was released earlier this week. The Bruins will leave California just twice in non-conference play, travelling to Michigan State on Dec. 21 and Notre Dame on Feb. 26. Boston College will be UCLA’s opponent in the Wooden Classic this season, while Michigan will make its second appearance in the last three years at Pauley Pavilion on Dec. 18. UCLA opens the season on Nov. 20 when it hosts Chicago State.

RECRUITING ROUNDUP: Securing a commitment from 5-foot-11 point guard Darren Collison did little to ameliorate the loss of former Kansas big man David Padgett for the talent-starved UCLA basketball program. A starter for the Jayhawks this past season as a freshman, Padgett, UCLA’s top recruiting target, selected Louisville earlier this month after narrowing his choices to the Cardinals and Bruins. Signing Padgett, a former McDonald’s All-American, would have been a big boost to UCLA’s front court in the future. Although the 6-foot-11 forward/center would have had to sit out next season, he likely could have stepped right into the starting lineup in 2005-06. Collison, the Etiwanda High School senior-to-be, will provide depth at the point guard position, where UCLA will lose seniors Cedric Bozeman and Ryan Walcott after next season.

DRIBBLERS: UCLA center Ryan Hollins is among a pool of 24 players that will vie for a spot on the USA Basketball World Championship Team, a squad that will consist of some of the nation’s best collegians 20 years of age and under.

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