The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have exercised their option on Jackson Vroman, which will keep the forward with the team through the 2005-06 season.

Vroman averaged 5.4 points and 4.5 rebounds in 36 games with the Hornets, including 8.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in 17 games as a starter.  He was originally acquired from Phoenix along with Casey Jacobsen and Maciej Lampe in exchange for Jim Jackson and a 2005 second round draft pick on Jan. 21, 2005.

"We were very pleased with how Jackson improved over the course of the season and are excited to have him coming back," said General Manager Allan Bristow.  "He became a solid contributor for us by the end of the year and we're looking forward to his continued development within our system."

Vroman averaged 9.3 points and 7.8 rebounds over the last six games of the season.  The rookie forward finished the year with cumulative averages of 4.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 46 games between Phoenix and New Orleans.