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Former European star Omer Yurtseven exits NBA Draft to return to NC State

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Omer Yurtseven finally arrived on North Carolina State's campus last year with an abundance of hype.

The 7-foot, former five-star center was not immediately granted eligibility because he had a professional contract offer with a European club, prompting the NCAA to review whether he could retain his amateur status.

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After flirting with the NBA Draft, Yurtseven has decided to withdraw his name and return to NC State.

Yurtseven, who once scored 91 points in a game in Europe, was required to sit out 30 percent of the Wolfpack's 2016-17 schedule, which amounted to the first nine regular-season games. 

"I'm certainly happy that Omer has made the decision to return to NC State," new coach Kevin Keatts said in a release. "I'm excited to be a part of his continued development as a player. His skill set is a great fit for our system and style of play, and I look forward seeing Omer further develop."

Yurtseven averaged just 5.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in 18.9 minutes last season as he struggled to adjust to a new style of play.

Now, Yurtseven is excited to get back to work at NC State and improve his draft stock for next year.

"I feel like I have a special relationship with Coach Keatts, which is one of the main reasons I decided to return," Yurtseven said in a statement. "I'm grateful to all of the NBA teams that brought me in for workouts, helped me through this process and provided valuable feedback. That being said, I'm excited to return to NC State and play, and continue to improve under Coach Keatts and our staff next season."

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