Josh Carter

Carter back for more

Josh Carter helped himself by staying at Texas A&M for his senior season and the Aggies are happy to have him back.

By: John Kennedy

Posted: 6/23/08

Aggie basketball fans' minds were put to ease when three point-shooting sensation Josh Carter withdrew his name from the 2008 NBA Draft in May to return for his senior year at Texas A&M.

The 6-foot-7-inch guard has led an impressive career thus far as an Aggie, earning All-Big 12 honorable mention his sophomore and junior seasons. As a sophomore he led the nation in three-point percentage, shooting 50 percent beyond the arc for the year.

"Josh made a wise and mature decision that will benefit him in the future," said Texas A&M Head Coach Mark Turgeon on AggieAthletics.com.

Carter, who began his career primarily shooting threes, has grown a few inches and become a well-rounded player in recent years. However, with the loss of Acie Law, Carter found it harder to find an open shot; his three-point shooting dropped to 38 percent.

"I decided to take my name out of the draft and concentrate on my senior year," Carter said. "I'm not worried about the NBA right now. I know I have a lot to improve on and will have another shot at the draft next year."

Carter's decision to stay in college basketball will give him another year to refine his talent and a chance to lead the Aggies to another NCAA Tournament bid in 2008-2009.

A&M has established itself as a legitimate contender in the basketball world with four consecutive 20-win seasons. Carter was a key factor in the team's success a year ago, averaging a team high 12.2 points per game, shooting 82 percent from the foul line and grabbing an impressive number of rebounds on both ends of the court.

With another successful season under his belt, the ever-improving Carter should find himself in a much better position in the 2009 NBA draft.

"It's a win-win situation for me," he said initially regarding his interest in entering the draft. "If I go to the NBA, it will fulfill a life-long dream; if not, I get to come back and play for the university I love."

The draft will be more promising for Carter next year, and the school he loves is more than happy to have him back.