The most notable recent example: the 2006 NCAA Champion Florida Gators, who were able to repeat as champs in 2007 largely due to the fact that players like Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer and Al Horford decided to wait a year before entering the NBA.
But such a decision isn't without risk. Georgetown's Roy Hibbert was considered a lottery-level prospect after the 2007 season. By returning to school and failing to show major improvement this year, his draft stock slipped considerably. Though he's still a lock for the first round, his senior season at Georgetown probably cut several million dollars off his first NBA contract.
Also consider Greg Oden. The fact that he's rehabbing his surgically-repaired knee as a Portland Trailblazer and not an Ohio State Buckeye makes a big difference -- both in the amount of money in his pocket and in the treatments and rehab options available.
Despite those gambles, the following players have announced that they'll return to play another season at the NCAA level.
- Stephen Curry -- Davidson: Curry was quick to announce he'd be returning for his junior season at Davidson, telling reporters "I don't think I'm ready." Of course, he's uniquely well-qualified to make that decision, having a much better insight into NBA life than most thanks to his father's career.
It's conceivable that Curry could improve his draft stock next season by taking more of an active role as a ball-handler. At 6'3", he's smallish for an NBA shooting guard. He might be most valuable at the next level as a point guard.
- Blake Griffin -- Oklahoma: The Sooners' leading scorer and rebounder and a projected top-ten pick, Griffin surprised many by announcing that he'll be back for his sophomore season. Like Curry, Griffin cited doubts about being ready for the NBA grind. He also wanted to play another year with his older brother Taylor, who will be a senior at OU next season.
- James Harden -- Arizona State: Harden was the first highly-touted freshman to announce a return to school -- though his name appeared in the first round in many early mock drafts, he announced his return to ASU before the Pac-10 tournament. He has the potential to move into the top 10 in the 2009 draft, particularly if he can show improvement with his outside shooting next season.
- Earl Clark -- Louisville: Clark initially declared himself eligible for the draft, but in mid-April he backtracked, and is playing another season for the Cardinals -- a team that's expected to be among the nation's best next year.
- Jerel McNeal -- Marquette: When McNeal wasn't included on the initial list of 60 players invited to the NBA predraft camp, he rightfully concluded that returning to school for another season was the best course of action. Next year's draft is expected to be significantly weaker, and McNeal might play his way into the first round with a strong season. This year, he'd be lucky to be selected in round two.
- Antonio Anderson -- Memphis: It appears that John Calipari won't lose the entire starting five from his Final Four run -- Antonio Anderson has withdrawn from the draft. Anderson was the Tigers' fourth-leading scorer last season; by returning for his senior year, he has a chance to become part of the winningest four-year class in NCAA Division I history.
