Syracuse, N.Y.-- Tyus Battle is officially returning to Syracuse, according to a Syracuse University release.

"I have decided to go back to Syracuse University to complete my junior year," Battle said via the release. "Although I may have been picked by the NBA team of my dreams, I feel it is in my best interest at this time to focus on improving some fine points in my game while continuing to work toward achieving my degree.



"My plan is to re-enter the draft next year. Going back to Syracuse is an easy decision on many levels. That is where I want to be for now. I had incredible workouts with some amazing NBA organizations. However, the NBA (God-willing) will be in a future chapter for me."

The release ended some confusion on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Jeff Goodman and Jon Rothstein both tweeted that Battle would return to school. Battle posted on Instagram that he would be heading back to Syracuse, but deleted that post. Reporter Adam Zagoria tweeted that Tyus's father, Gary, had said Tyus had not decided whether to return to school or keep his name in the draft. Meanwhile, Battle's Syracuse basketball teammates took to Twitter to celebrate his return to their team.

Jim Boeheim, in a phone conversation, said he would be sure of Battle's decision once he filed his paperwork with the NBA, thereby officially withdrawing from the draft. That apparently happened Wednesday night.

"He went through the process and the process is designed to give guys a good feel for where they are," Boeheim said. "I think he can come very, very close to graduation and I think that's a good thing for him. These are always difficult decisions."

In the Syracuse release, Battle thanked "'Cuse fans who supported me throughout this process as well as my family, coaches, teammates and Drew Hanlen." Battle spent part of his pre-draft process in Los Angeles working out with Hanlen, a renowned trainer.

The Syracuse guard, who will be a junior, participated in the NBA Combine earlier this month and had workouts with several NBA teams.

His return to the Orange brings every starter back from the 2017-18 Sweet 16 team. Battle and Frank Howard return at the guard spots. Elijah Hughes, who transferred to Syracuse from East Carolina and redshirted last year, is eligible this season and can play shooting guard and small forward. Howard Washington, who had knee surgery, could be available to play by mid-September, Boeheim said today.

The Orange will also gain the services of the speedy Jalen Carey, a 4-star guard recruit out of New Jersey, and Buddy Boeheim, who will bring his shooting stroke to his father's team. Buddy Boeheim, his dad said, will be on full scholarship this upcoming season.

SU returns its starting center in Paschal Chukwu, its starting forwards in Oshae Brissett and Marek Dolezaj. Bourama Sidibe should be ready to return from surgery for tendinitis by August, Boeheim said. SU also got a late commitment from Class of 2018 forward Robert Braswell.

"We haven't had this kind of depth in a long time," Boeheim said. "We haven't had the starting lineup back in a long time. It's a group that had success in the tournament, a group of guys that really works hard. And getting everybody healthy is a big thing."