Welcome back, Justin James. The senior guard announced Wednesday he is returning to the Wyoming Cowboy basketball team for his final collegiate season.

James filed paperwork to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft Wednesday. This was the deadline for underclassmen who did not hire an agent to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to school.

The senior released a statement through the University of Wyoming.

“I’m extremely excited to announce I will be returning to Wyoming for my senior season. I’m very grateful for the opportunities and feedback I have received from NBA executives over the last month. But now I will focus on leading the Brown and Gold in competing for a Mountain West Championship in my final season.”

James chose to declare for the NBA Draft on March 26 but did not sign with an agent. He went through numerous private workouts with NBA teams before deciding to come back to Laramie.

James also said in the release from UW, “I received some very promising feedback from around the NBA. I will continue to grow my game here in Laramie and put myself in position to live my dream and play at the next level following one more season playing for the Cowboys.”

Justin James led the Cowboys in scoring and assists last season, averaging 18.9 points and 3.1 assists per game. He was second in rebounding at six boards per contest. James shot 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from behind the arc. The Cowboys went 20-13 last season and 10-8 in the Mountain West.

James will be counted on to lead a young Wyoming men’s basketball team. He is one of only five returning lettermen for the Pokes. They welcome seven newcomers, with five prep school players and two junior college transfers. Redshirt freshmen Hunter Thompson will also see his first action in a UW uniform.

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