Providence, RI (Betting Express) - Providence basketball star Ryan Gomes has withdrawn his name from the 2004 NBA Draft and will return to the Friars for his senior season.

"This has been an educational process for me," Gomes said in a statement released by the school. "I've improved my game and learned what I need to do to become a more complete basketball player. I am looking forward to my senior year academically and athletically."

Gomes, a 6-foot-7 forward, was a unanimous first-team All-Big East selection in 2003-04 and was named to several All-America teams. He averaged a team-high 18.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, helping the Friars to a 20-9 record and a third-place finish in the conference.

Providence was a five-seed in the NCAA Tournament, but was eliminated in a first-round upset by Pacific.

Gomes ranks 11th on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,468 points entering his senior season.