Star Drew Timme returning to Gonzaga next season

College basketball star Drew Timme will not pursue a professional career next season and will instead return to Gonzaga, he announced Wednesday, via the team's website.

"After reviewing options with my family, I've decided to return to Gonzaga," he said in a statement. "I am excited to come back to Spokane and continue my collegiate career. I appreciate everything I've learned so far from the Gonzaga coaching staff and look forward to growing my game more. I love playing at GU, being a part of the program, and can't wait to play in front of the best fans in the country again."

Timme played a significant role in Gonzaga's run to the national championship final. He averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and 2.3 assists as the Zags went undefeated during the regular season.

The 20-year-old won the 2020-21 Karl Malone Award as the nation's top power forward, was named to the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament team and was a consensus All-American second-team selection. 

ESPN had Timme going in the second round of this year's draft if he left his name on the board. Now he'll have the opportunity to improve his draft stock with another year at Gonzaga.