Leslie staying at UGA

Travis Leslie announced Wednesday that he isn't through making highlights for the University of Georgia.

The 6-foot-4, 202-pound sophomore small forward decided not to pursue an early departure to the NBA. The NBA deadline for underclassmen to enter its draft is April 25, but the NCAA allows underclassmen to withdraw from draft consideration and return to college by May 8.

"I enjoy being at Georgia and being part of the Georgia program," Leslie said. "I think we have a chance to have a great season next year."

Leslie averaged 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Bulldogs, who went 14-17 after going 12-20 in 2008-09. He scored a career-best 34 points in an SEC tournament quarterfinal loss to Vanderbilt and led the team with 30 dunks, five of which made ESPN's "Top 10 Plays of the Day."

"We're pleased with the progress that Travis has made in the past year and very excited about what his future holds," Georgia coach Mark Fox said. "He continues to have a very mature approach to things, not just in basketball but in all aspects of his life."

In a January interview with the Times Free Press, Leslie realized it would take more than dunks to make it in the NBA.

"Right now, I'm not shooting a lot of jump shots," he said, "but I know at the next level at my size I'm going to have to."

Georgia 6-10 sophomore power forward Trey Thompkins, who averaged 17.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in earning All-SEC honors, has not announced his intentions.

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