Michigan big man Moritz Wagner will return to U-M for his junior year, he announced via MGoBlue.com Wednesday.
"Coach [John] Beilein asked me two questions that still affect me," he told MGoBlue.com.
The first question: "Moe, why would you go to the NBA?"
Wagner told Beilein: "It's a huge dream of mine. I want to be a professional, and I've been working my tail off to get there. When you see a dream, you want to grab it. You don't want to put it away for another year."
The second question: "Moe, why would you leave the University of Michigan and our program?"
Wagner said, "And I didn't have an answer for that question. Many leave because they are impatient or they don't like school. I like this school and I love this place. I feel very comfortable here. Not everybody likes college as much as I do.
"There was no particular reason why I should leave."
His decision is not a surprise. Wagner reportedly made up his mind last weekend, and now he's officially announced.
"Moe had an extraordinary experience with this process, one that opened his eyes to what he needs to do next for his development," Beilein said. "Moe loves Michigan and he is excited about becoming a leader on next year's team. His incredible personality and enthusiastic demeanor is a great plus for this team and his brilliant future. We are so pleased to be part of that and his journey moving forward."
Wagner averaged 12.1 points and shot 39.5 percent from long range (45-for-114). He posted five games of 20-plus points with a career-best 26 in U-M's NCAA second-round win over Louisville, going 11-for-14 from the field.
An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, Wagner started all 38 games, collected 158 rebounds (4.2 rpg) and produced his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds at Indiana (Feb. 2).
U-M is still waiting on an announcement from D.J. Wilson, who has until 11:59 tonight to declare.
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