ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball junior Charles Matthews announced Wednesday (May 30) he will return to the Wolverine basketball program after removing his name from consideration for the 2018 NBA Draft.

"I am thankful for the assistance Coach Beilein and the staff have given me in order to gain as much information as possible before making this decision. They showed great confidence and patience with me while I sorted this all out," said Matthews. "After much prayer and discussions with my family and the staff, I am excited to be returning to Michigan next year. I learned a lot throughout this process, but my main focus will now be completing my education at Michigan and leading my teammates to more success next season."

"This process allows young men to gather so much valuable information and make the most informed decision they can," said U-M's David and Meredith Kaplan head men's basketball coach John Beilein. "Charles has an incredible personality and confidence. His work habits and desire to reach his potential are terrific. He is more focused than ever to improve in all areas of his game. Like others before him, Charles will be a great senior leader for us and we are excited to have this opportunity to coach him again next season."

After sitting out the 2016-17 season following his transfer from Kentucky, Matthews was instrumental in U-M's 2018 postseason run in his first full season with the Wolverines. The Chicago native helped guide U-M to its second consecutive Big Ten Tournament title as the Wolverines won four games in four days to claim the crown. Matthews then earned NCAA West Region Most Outstanding Player honors and was a key in U-M's run to the 2018 Final Four and advancement to the national title game.

Posting 31 double figure scoring games, including seven of 20-or-more, Matthews was second on the Wolverines with a 13.0 points-per-game average. He scored a career-best 31 against Alabama A&M (Dec. 21) becoming the first Wolverine in almost three years to surpass 30 points in a game.

Matthews also was second on the team in rebounding (5.5) and posted four double-doubles, including three via points/rebounds and one with points/assists. Nearly reaching 100 assists (98), he was third with 2.4 per game including dishing a career-best 12 against UC Riverside (Nov. 26).

Matthews was one of two Wolverines to test the NBA Draft waters. Forward Moritz Wagner, who signed with an agent ending his collegiate eligibility, left U-M after three seasons to enter the NBA Draft.