Kapono Says He’s Staying at UCLA

UCLA forward Jason Kapono said Monday he plans to play for the Bruins next season, instead of making himself eligible for the NBA draft.

“I’m definitely coming back,” he said. “I feel I have unfinished business with the team. Just looking at the Pac-10, with the way it’s going to look next year, we’re going to be a strong team in the conference and in the country.”

A year ago, after an impressive freshman season, Kapono worked out for at least eight NBA teams--including the Lakers and Clippers--and talked with agent Arn Tellem, who represents a handful of former Bruins and Coach Steve Lavin. Ultimately, Kapono decided to stay.

He averaged 17.4 points a game this season and shot 45.8% from the floor. In the NCAA tournament, the Bruins advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to Duke.

“I didn’t pay much attention to the draft board or my draft stock,” he said. “It was just that feeling after the Sweet 16, knowing for two years we’ve reached the Sweet 16 but we haven’t gotten past that point. That just makes me want to come back and prove something.”

Two weeks ago, junior center Dan Gadzuric announced he is coming back for his senior season, and the Bruins have high hopes for freshman point guard Cedric Bozeman, who will replace Earl Watson. The team could be ranked in the top five in preseason polls.