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Adreian Payne passes on NBA draft to return to Michigan State

After laboring over the possibility of entering the NBA draft, Michigan State forward Adreian Payne has decided to return to school for his senior season, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Payne, a 6-foot-10 power forward who would've been selected in the first round of the June draft, struggled with his decision and flip-flopped several times in recent weeks and days.

Payne finally began to inform people of his choice to remain in school hours before the NBA's midnight deadline for draft entry on Sunday, sources said.

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A formal announcement is expected soon from the university.

Payne's return makes Michigan State a national championship contender and a preseason top-five choice in the polls.

Payne made significant progress as a junior in the eyes of NBA executives and scouts. He averaged 10.5 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Spartans. Another Michigan State player, freshman Gary Harris, also bypassed the NBA draft and will return to school.

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