Jodie Meeks is taking his long-range game to the NBA. Luke Harangody decided to return to college for his senior year and a chance to become the leading scorer in Notre Dame history.
The deadline for underclassmen who had declared for the NBA draft June 25 but did not hire agents to withdraw was Monday.
Meeks, a slick-shooting 6-foot-4 guard from Kentucky, Wake Forest point guard Jeff Teague, Gonzaga forward Austin Daye and Texas A&M forward Chinemelu Elonu were among the notable players who chose to remain draft eligible.
Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez and Georgia Tech power forward Gani Lawal joined Harangody in withdrawing their names and will return to school.
Meeks led the Southeastern Conference in scoring and was eighth nationally with an average of 23.7 points as a junior for Kentucky. He had declared himself eligible for the draft but did not hire an agent, leaving the door open to return to the Wildcats and their new coach John Calipari.
“I want to thank the fans and the city of Lexington,” Meeks said in a statement. “They have been great, and I will always be a Kentucky Wildcat. I feel comfortable with my decision, and I’m confident in my ability.”
Meeks provided one of the few highlights in a lackluster Kentucky season when he scored a team- record 54 points against Tennessee.
The 6-8 Harangody was a consistent bright spot for an Irish team that fell short of high expectations and did not make the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 23.3 points and 11.8 rebounds to lead the Big East in both categories in consecutive seasons. He was the league’s player of the year in 2008.
“We have a great nucleus next year, and I know one of Luke’s goals is to get back to the NCAA Tournament.” Irish coach Mike Brey said. “He also has the chance to carve a unique place in the long and storied history of the Notre Dame basketball program.”
Harangody needs 738 points next season to pass Austin Carr as Notre Dame’s leading scorer. He needs 370 rebounds to pass Tom Hawkins as the school’s leading rebounder.
