More Collison

By Brian Dohn
Staff Writer
UCLA coach Ben Howland is still looking for a big man for next season, but he unexpectedly picked up a proven, high-caliber point guard Saturday when Darren Collison announced he was returning for his senior season.
During a conference call, Collison said as late as last week he thought he was heading to the NBA, but after closer examination and consultation with his parents, decided to remain in school.
Collison was projected as a first-round pick, between No. 15 to No. 25, but elected not to join teammates Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute in declaring for the draft.
Collison started on UCLA’s Final Four teams the last two years, and was a reserve when the Bruins lost to Florida in the 2006 national title game.
He averaged 14.5 points per game and 3.8 assists per game, although his season began late. He sat out the first six games with a torn ligament in his knee.