Patric Young, who averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in 33 games with the Gators, told reporters Thursday that he intends to return for his sophomore season instead of entering the NBA draft.

“That’s always great news,” Gators coach Billy Donovan said. “I think Patric has learned a lot this year. I don’t think this year was as easy for him as I thought it was going to be. I think a lot of times when you’re a player that’s in a role, and all of a sudden you go from a role to a primary position, your impression of what you think your role is going to be like might not match up to it.

“I think Patric ... probably realized he’s here to grow, and he’s much better today than he was a year ago. I think next year he would be even better than he is this season.”

Young is projected as a late first-round pick in this year's draft.