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UCLA Basketball: Thomas Welsh is returning for his senior season

By Mike Regalado

February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) reacts after guard Bryce Alford (20) scores a three point basket against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) reacts after guard Bryce Alford (20) scores a three point basket against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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After testing the waters of the NBA Draft, center Thomas Welsh announced today that he will be returning to the Bruins for his senior campaign and we could not be happier.

Can I get a BOOM! After an exodus of players leaving early or due to graduation, the UCLA Basketball team received some fantastic news today as Thomas Welsh announced via Twitter that he was returning to the Bruins for his final year.

Whew! And “BOOM!”

After the Bruins’ 2016-17 season ended with a trip to the Sweet Sixteen, there would have potentially been seven players leaving the program.

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Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton were a given as they were graduating seniors. Freshmen Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf and Ike Anigbogu all declared for the draft and hired agents, guaranteeing they would not be back next season.

Thomas Welsh and sophomore Aaron Holiday had also announced they were putting their names in the NBA Draft, but did not hire agents, leaving the door open to return for the 2017-18 season. Both had/have until May 24 to return to school and it looks like the first one, Welsh, has made his choice. Holiday is yet to make his decision.

With Welsh returning, the Bruins keep some continuity as he will be the only returning starter from last year. Though the Bruins have a stellar class coming in next year (and probably the best in the Steve Alford era), Gyorgy Goloman would have been the only upperclassmen to return that played meaningful minutes this past season.

Last year Welsh averaged 10.8 points and had a team-high 8.7 rebounds. Though he could benefit by adding some mass to play down low, he showed his range with an ever-improving mid-range and baseline jumper that has proved difficult to defend (you try blocking a 7-footer).

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With Welsh back, the Bruins will not only have a senior leader, but also retain a player that can help continue the success of the 2016-17 season. Welcome back, Thomas!