Al-Farouq Aminu Staying for Sophomore Season

Wake Forest forward Al-Farouq Aminu has announced he will return for his sophomore season in 2009-10. Aminu has decided to stay in school and build upon a stellar rookie campaign.

"In order to end further speculation, I am excited to announce my return to Wake Forest for my sophomore year," said Aminu. "My experience at Wake Forest has been terrific. I have grown as a student, as a person and as a basketball player. The NBA is a dream of mine, but my family and I feel like now is not the right time.

"Coach Gaudio and I talk every day about my growth as a player and his expectations for me. I am very excited about my new role as a veteran leader and the potential of next year's team."

Aminu averaged 12.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game for the Demon Deacons last season. The Norcross, Ga. native led all ACC freshmen in rebounding and was second in scoring. He posted 10 double-doubles, which was the fourth-most among all league players.

A five-time ACC Rookie of the Week honoree, Aminu was a unanimous selection to the ACC All-Freshman Team and was named a Freshman All-American by multiple publications.

"I am incredibly excited for our basketball team and very happy for Al-Farouq and his family," said Wake Forest head coach Dino Gaudio. "He has been a pleasure to coach, a terrific teammate and a vital part of Wake Forest basketball and this University.

"His decision reflects his maturity and his understanding that he needs to develop certain areas of his game. With Al-Farouq's tireless work ethic, he will continue to be an impact player at Wake Forest and in the ACC. There is also no doubt in my mind he will be a terrific future NBA player."