UConn backcourt veteran Christian Vital has decided to return for his junior season.

Vital spent time exploring his NBA draft possibilities without hiring an agent and looked at other possible options before making his decision.

He tweeted the news on Monday after speaking with coach Dan Hurley, writing:

"Great Talk Today Coach! Appreciate The Wisdom You Have Let Me In On! I Think It's Time To Get Back to Winning Ways in Storrs! I'm Going To Need That #1 Back ASAP! WE GOT UNFINISHED BUSINESS!"

The news was expected given that Vital didn't receive an invitation to the NBA Draft combine. He also wasn't projected to be selected in June.

A former St. Thomas More standout, Vital has been a key contributor in his first two seasons in Storrs. Last season, he ranked second on the team in scoring at 14.6 points per game while appearing in 31 games, starting 22. He also led the team in rebounding (5.4 per game) and steals (48 overall).

Vital will be part of a loaded backcourt that also features returning Huskies Jalen Adams, an American Athletic Conference player of the year candidate, and Alterique Gilbert, who's missed most of the last two seasons with a shoulder injury.

The Huskies also are adding incoming freshman Brendan Adams and Tarin Smith, a graduate transfer out of Duquesne.

Since being hired as head coach in March, Hurley has yet to lose a returning member of the UConn roster. Terry Larrier elected to bypass his final year of eligibility and purse a pro career. He earned his undergraduate degree.