Theron Smith's flirtation with the National Basketball Association is finished - for now. Doug Zaleski of the Star Press reports that Smith withdrew Monday from consideration for the NBA draft. Smith will return to Ball State to play his senior season in 2002-03. He will be the centerpiece of a team that returns three starters from last year's group that won 23 games and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NIT postseason tournament.

"My chances of playing in the NBA are greater if I stay in school and play my senior season," Smith said. "I found out I can play with anybody. I have the skills to play in any situation, and I have the confidence to play with anybody."

Smith announced April 17 that he had applied for the NBA draft. By not hiring an agent, he kept open the possibility that he could take his name out of the draft before June 19. The draft will be conducted June 26.

Smith had hoped to attend the three-day Chicago pre-draft camp, which starts today, and showcase his skills for NBA executives and talent evaluators. A committee chaired by NBA senior vice president Stu Jackson advised Smith that he likely would be a second-round pick this year. Jackson told Buckley that Smith had the potential to be a first-round pick next year if he stayed in school.

We're all very pleased with his final decision," Ball State coach Tim Buckley said. "This was in the best interests in furthering his career. It will be nice to have him back in the program next year, because he's a really good role model for our younger guys."