MEN’S BASKETBALL: Brackins to return for 2009-’10 season

Cyclones forward Craig Brackins announced Friday, April 24, 2009, he intends to stay at Iowa State in the coming year instead of entering the NBA Draft. Brackins said his decision was made with advice from his coaches and family. Brackins would have been one of the top 20 draft picks in the NBA, but he cited a desire to improve upon his weaknesses and his love for Cyclone fans as reasons he elected to stay. Photo: Rashah McChesney/Iowa State Daily

Rashah McChesney

Cyclones forward Craig Brackins announced Friday, April 24, 2009, he intends to stay at Iowa State in the coming year instead of entering the NBA Draft. Brackins said his decision was made with advice from his coaches and family. Brackins would have been one of the top 20 draft picks in the NBA, but he cited a desire to improve upon his weaknesses and his love for Cyclone fans as reasons he elected to stay. Photo: Rashah McChesney/Iowa State Daily

Nate Sandell
April 23, 2009

Iowa State’s Craig Brackins announced today that he will be returning to Iowa State for his junior season.

His announcement comes just before Sunday’s deadline for all college players to decide to declare themselves eligible for the National Basketball Association draft. Brackins said he has spent the month after the season ended going back-and-forth before finally reaching a conclusion.

Brackins, who just finished his sophomore season, was one of the top scorers in the Big 12 conference this season and has been mentioned on several pre-draft polls as being a top-30 pick.