Silva Returning For Senior Campaign

May 21, 2018

COLUMBIA, S.C. ââ’¬” University of South Carolina rising senior forward Chris Silva announced on Monday that he will withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Carolina for his senior season. Silva, a 2018 All-SEC First Team selection, led the Gamecocks in points and rebounds per game as a junior in 2017-18.

“I’m thankful for the experience of going through the draft process,” Silva said. “I want to thank all of the teams that gave me the opportunity to workout for their organization. I’m excited to announce that I’m returning to South Carolina for my senior season. I can’t wait to get back on the court with my brothers and continue to work on my game.”

“Going through the evaluation process was an unbelievable experience for Chris and us,” head coach Frank Martin said. “He comes back to a place he loves with some knowledge on some of the things that we have to help him improve on in his efforts to one day fulfill his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA.”

Silva was also honored on the SEC All-Defensive Team, and was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in March for his efforts on the hardwood during the season. He registered 26 double-figure scoring games for the Gamecocks, which was a team high. He was also stellar at the free throw line, leading the SEC in both attempts (283, 2nd nationally) and makes (213, 6th nationally). He scored a career-high 27 points in Carolina wins over Vanderbilt and No. 18 Kentucky, and posted nine double-doubles on the year.