NC State forward Abdul-Malik Abu pulls out of NBA Draft

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina State forward Abdul-Malik Abu says he's withdrawing from the NBA draft pool and coming back for his junior season. Abu said

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina State forward Abdul-Malik Abu says he's withdrawing from the NBA draft pool and coming back for his junior season.

Abu said Thursday that he ''will be returning to the place that I call home, N.C. State.''

Abu submitted his name for draft evaluation in March but did not hire an agent and had the option to return to school.

He's the Wolfpack's top returning scorer and rebounder, averaging 12.9 points and 8.8 rebounds last season.

North Carolina State is awaiting a decision from fellow big man BeeJay Anya, who also entered the draft but can withdraw and return. Fellow underclassman Anthony ''Cat'' Barber has signed with an agent.

Abu's decision came days after North Carolina State signed two more freshmen for this season, including 7-foot center Omer Yurtseven.