Oklahoma's Griffin to return for sophomore year

Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin announced Wednesday that he will return for his sophomore season instead of making an early entry into the NBA draft.

Griffin led the Sooners by averaging 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds last season. Oklahoma went to the NCAA Tournament, where it lost a second-round game to Louisville.

Sooners coach Jeff Capel had said he believed Griffin could be an early first-round draft pick if he performs well in workouts and interviews leading up to the draft.

Griffin was a McDonald's All-American in high school. He injured both of his knees this season but was able to return quickly both times.

-- The Associated Press