Tyus Battle withdraws from NBA Draft, heading back to Syracuse

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Tyus Battle, the Syracuse sophomore wing and former New Jersey prep star, will withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Syracuse.

“I have decided to go back to Syracuse University to complete my junior year,” said Battle on Wednesday night. “Although I may have been picked by the NBA team of my dreams, I feel it is in my best interest at this time to focus on improving some fine points in my game while continuing to work toward achieving my degree.

“My plan is to re-enter the draft next year. Going back to Syracuse is an easy decision on many levels. That is where I want to be for now. I had incredible workouts with some amazing NBA organizations. However, the NBA (God-willing) will be in a future chapter for me.

“This year it’s all about the ‘Cuse! I’d like to send a shout out to all the ‘Cuse fans who supported me throughout this process as well as my family, coaches, teammates and Drew Hanlen.”