Posted Thursday, June 16, 11:48 a.m. Men’s basketball fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief – forward Mike Hall announced he will return next year for his final year of collegiate eligibility. The 6-foot-8 Chicago -native withdrew his name from the list of early entry NBA draft candidates on June 15, six days ahead of the June 21 deadline, allowing him to return to Foggy Bottom next season.

Hall said his experience as an early entrant was positive and worthwhile for his career.

“I went into this whole process in the springtime with an open mind,” Hall said. “I wasn’t going to cut off my options and I’ve learned a lot and got a lot of feedback. That was my aim from the beginning.”

Hall worked out for the Boston Celtics and said the evaluation of his talent by team officials was surprising.

“It’s all been positive,” Hall said. “The whole situation played out exactly how I thought it would except for a lot more positive feedback than I thought I’d receive.”

“Important people know who I am and what I am capable of,” Hall added.

Many expected Hall’s withdrawal after he did not receive an invitation to the NBA’s pre-draft camp, held in Chicago from June 7-10. Although the league’s decision not to extend an invitation would be considered a snub by many, Hall was not offended at all.

“I understand how this is a business as well,” Hall said. “To earn an invite to the camp without the aid of an agent is almost impossible unless you were in the Final Four or you’re considered one of the top 10 college players.”

The GW community will now eagerly wait an announcement from Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who has also declared for the draft. Mensah-Bonsu played in the Chicago pre-draft camp and is thought to be leaning toward staying in the draft.