June 13, 2009
NORMAL, Ill. -
Osiris Eldridge withdrew his name from the upcoming NBA Draft Saturday, and will return to Illinois State for his senior season.
The 6-foot-3 scoring guard had worked out for several teams in Chicago and had a personal workout with the Portland Trailblazers, but had not hired an agent to retain his option of returning to the Redbirds.
"It was really a great experience for me and I'm glad I did it," said Eldridge. "I was provided a lot of feedback from NBA personnel on what I can do to achieve my goal of playing basketball professionally. I also appreciate the support of the Illinois State coaching staff and my Redbird teammates during this process."
"This whole experience was nothing but a positive for Osiris," said ISU head coach Tim Jankovich. "He obviously means a lot to this team and we are all glad to have him back for his senior season, but I'm also pleased he was afforded an opportunity to seek further counsel on what he can do to reach his lifelong goal of playing professional basketball."
Eldridge, who was named the 2009 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Player, is a two-time first-team all-league selection and was named to the conference's all-defensive team for the first time in his career this past season.
The Chicago native ranked second on the team in scoring last season with 14 points per game. Eldridge was also second on the team in rebounding with 6.2 boards per contest. He led the Redbirds with 52 steals and ranked third with 83 assists.
Eldridge has led the Redbirds to 49 wins over the last two seasons and back-to-back postseason appearances.
Underclassmen who declare for the draft have until June 15 to remove their name and maintain college eligibility. The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25.
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