Kansas center Joel Embiid 'strongly considering' returning for sophomore season

Joel Embiid is averaging only 22.7 minutes per game this season. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Joel Embiid, who some believe could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft later this year should he enter it, said he is "strongly considering" returning for his sophomore season, according to ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman.

The 7-foot center, who turns 20 on March 16, told Goodman before Kansas' 69-52 win at Baylor on Tuesday that he doesn't feel he's ready to make the jump to the NBA. But he added after the game that his decision will largely depend on his development the rest of the season.

"I'm not even thinking about it right now," Embiid said. "I'll make a decision after the season, but I'm definitely considering coming back to school."

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The Cameroon native only started playing basketball in 2011. He is averaging 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 22 games (14 starts) this season, with five double-doubles.

Embiid, who added that he considered redshirting this season, scored only five points on 1-of-6 shooting on Tuesday, with seven rebounds and four personal fouls.

"He's a bright young man and he's going to weigh his options," said Kansas coach Bill Self. "He's considering coming back and he's obviously also considering leaving. He can't make a bad decision."

No. 8 Kansas improved to 17-5 on Tuesday, 8-1 in the Big 12.

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