Ex-pilot Washington changes plans, to return to Kentucky

Former Findlay Prep standout PJ Washington will return to Kentucky after withdrawing from the NBA draft, while his Wildcats teammate Wenyen Gabriel has decided to turn pro.

The Wildcats are still awaiting Jarred Vanderbilt’s decision on whether the freshman forward will return to school or remain in the draft.

Washington, who participated in the NBA combine, posted a video on social media that ended with “I’M BACK.” The 6-foot-7 Dallas native will be the Wildcats’ top returning scorer (10.8 points) and rebounder (5.7 rebounds) next season.

G League: The mother of a G League player who died in March after collapsing on the court during a game has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the NBA and the Detroit Pistons of negligence. Zeke Upshaw played for the Grand Rapids Drive, a G League affiliate of the Pistons. He collapsed during a game on March 24 and died two days later.

Celtics: Boston said forward Gordon Hayward had surgery to remove a plate and screws in his broken left leg and will be ready to start next season.

South Carolina: Brian Bowen announced he’s leaving the school after the NCAA told the Gamecocks he would be ineligible at least all of next season as the federal investigation into college basketball continues.

Villanova: Big East freshman of the year Omari Spellman is staying in the NBA draft after helping the Wildcats win the national championship.

Kansas: Udoka Azubuike announced he was withdrawing from the NBA draft shortly before the deadline, choosing to return for his junior season with the Jayhawks rather than risk not getting selected.

UNR: Cody Martin and Caleb Martin withdrew from the NBA draft and will play next season for the Wolfpack.