Cardinals G Russ Smith returning for senior season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Russ Smith is staying at Louisville to chase another NCAA championship and a degree.

The 6-foot-1 guard is passing on the NBA draft to return for his senior season, aiming to become his family’s first college graduate and win another title.

Smith’s decision contradicts father Russ Sr.’s declaration after the Cardinals’ NCAA championship game victory over Michigan that his son would enter the draft.

Smith led Louisville (35-5) with 18.7 points per game this season, including 22.3 in the NCAA tournament.

After talking with coach Rick Pitino about his pro prospects, Smith decided Wednesday morning that his game needed more development. He was an all-Big East Conference first team selection along with 6-10 teammate Gorgui Dieng, who has entered his name in the draft pool.