Lyons will return for senior season

5/8/2008 11:48 PM

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -Missouri forward Leo Lyons, who led the Big 12 in field goal percentage, withdrew from the NBA draft on Thursday and announced he would return for his senior season.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Lyons made the decision after meeting with coach Mike Anderson and his staff, based on feedback from NBA teams as well as family and friends.

``I just felt like it was the right decision,'' Lyons said. ``I really want to graduate, and by staying at Missouri that will happen.''

Lyons led Missouri with 13.1 points per game while shooting 58.3 percent. He averaged 14.3 points and 6.5 rebounds in conference play.

Lyons averaged 16.1 points and eight rebounds the last 16 games, including a career-high 27 points and 18 rebounds against Oklahoma State.