DURHAM, N.C. (AP) – Shelden Williams will skip this year’s NBA draft and return for his senior year at Duke.

Williams, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season, was considered a potential candidate for the draft.

Williams said in a statement Monday that he has decided to pursue his goal of earning a degree at Duke.

“For that reason along with others, I am going to pass on the opportunity to enter the NBA Draft,” Williams said.

Williams averaged 15.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.7 blocked shots while helping Duke to a 27-6 record and the ACC championship last season.

ACC rival North Carolina will lose players Sean May, Raymond Felton and Marvin Williams to the NBA draft.

AP-ES-04-25-05 1917EDT