UNC's Meeks back for senior year after NBA draft flirtation

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) North Carolina's Kennedy Meeks will withdraw from the NBA draft and return for his senior season.

The school announced Meeks' decision Wednesday. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 9.2 points and 5.9 rebounds with 28 starts, helping the Tar Heels win the Atlantic Coast Conference championship before reaching the NCAA title game.

New draft rules made it easier for players to test the waters and retain their eligibility provided they don't hire an agent. In a statement, Meeks says it was ''invaluable'' to get feedback on improving his game.

In a statement, coach Roy Williams says Meeks did the right thing by entering the draft process and returning to school.

UNC is awaiting word on whether starting wing Justin Jackson will stay in the draft or return for his junior season.