Norman, Okla. ? Even with the possibility of being an early first-round pick in the NBA Draft, Oklahoma freshman Blake Griffin wasn’t ready to end his college career just yet.

Griffin announced Wednesday he would return to play at least one more season with the Sooners, ending speculation that he might declare himself eligible for the NBA Draft.

“I’ve had a fun freshman year. It’s been fun here. I think it’s time for me just to announce that I’m coming back for my sophomore year,” Griffin said.

“I’m excited about it. I think with the team, we’re all excited about next year. I’m just looking forward to moving on.”

Griffin led the Sooners by averaging 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds last season, the most by a freshman at the school since former NBA All-Star Wayman Tisdale 25 years earlier.

While considering his future, he heard projections from experts that placed him anywhere from third to 10th in this June’s draft.

“Most college basketball players, their dream their whole life is to play in the NBA, to take it to the next level, take it to that next step. That is something that is hard to turn down, but at the same time I know personally I wouldn’t be content just with going to the NBA and just sitting on the bench watching other guys play,” Griffin said.

“I definitely want to come in and contribute and be able to play. That’s what I love doing. That’s why I’m here.”

Griffin returns to a team coming off a 23-12 season and an NCAA Tournament berth. The Sooners lost, 78-48, to Louisville in the second round.