Sophomore center Willie Cauley-Stein tweeted Monday that he will return next season, and UK Athletics confirmed the news via a press release.

“I’m proud to say I’m coming back for my junior year,” Cauley-Stein tweeted at around 6 p.m. Monday. “I still have an empty spot to fulfill and in no rush to leave the best fans in the USA!”

Cauley-Stein injured his left ankle in the Sweet 16 game against Louisville and missed the Cats’ final three games. He was named to the All-SEC Defensive team after recording 106 blocks in 37 games.

“I’m happy for Willie and also proud of him for making the best decision for him and his family,” head coach John Calipari said in the release. “Being in school for at least three years will get him closer to having a degree and will help him prepare for the next level and life afterwards.”

Cauley-Stein was ranked as the 13th overall prospect by DraftExpress.com and the 31st overall prospect by NBADraft.net before his decision.

Incoming freshman Karl Towns Jr. will be among the other centers on the Cats 2014-15 season. Current freshman Dakari Johnson has not made a decision on his status for next year.

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