LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky forward Willie Cauley-Stein says he will return next season rather than head on to the NBA.

"I am proud to say that I am coming back for my junior year," Cauley-Stein tweeted just before 6 p.m. "I still have an empty spot to fulfill and in no rush to leave the best fans in the USA!"

Kentucky's talented freshmen shed a shaky regular season and then showed why the Wildcats were picked No. 1 in the preseason with an impressive run to the NCAA championship game.

After losing 60-54 loss to Connecticut, the annual question is which Kentucky player(s) will leave for the NBA.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Kentucky (29-11) loses forward Julius Randle. Several of his young teammates also are going to mull over their pro prospects.