Updated

Florida center Patric Young is staying in school for his senior season, a decision that should make the Gators one of the favorites in the Southeastern Conference.

Young's choice was no big surprise since he has talked for weeks about wanting to get his degree.

The 6-foot-9 junior from nearby Jacksonville averaged 10.1 points and 6.3 rebounds this season. With seniors Kenny Boynton, Erik Murphy and Mike Rosario graduating, Young could be the focal point of coach Billy Donovan's offense in the fall.

Young had been projected as a second-round pick in the 2013 NBA draft, causing some speculation that he might turn pro. But Young says he's focused on finishing out his career, which has ended in the regional finals all three years.