Villanova's Brunson not testing draft waters

Despite speculation to the contrary, Villanova guard Jalen Brunson will return for his junior season without testing the NBA draft waters, the school announced Thursday.

"Jalen is an outstanding student who loves being at Villanova and wants to complete his degree by the end of his junior year," Wildcats coach Jay Wright stated. "This was a simple decision made by Jalen's family. Jalen wants to graduate, be a leader on this year's team, and compete for a championship."

Brunson responded exceptionally well to an increased role in 2016-17, contributing 14.7 points and 4.1 assists per game to the Big East champions. The Lincolnshire, Ill., native also raised his field-goal percentage 89 points from his freshman campaign.

He'll be asked to do even more in 2017-18, as Villanova lost star guard Josh Hart and key forward Kris Jenkins to graduation.

Brunson was a five-star recruit in the class of 2015.