Ionescu announces return to Oregon

Oregon guard Sabrina Ionescu is returning for her senior season.

The Associated Press AllAmerican, who already holds the NCAA career record for triple-doubles with 18, bylined a story on The Players Tribune titled “Unfinished Business,” minutes after her deadline to declare for the WNBA draft expired. The draft is Wednesday.

Oregon lost to Baylor in the national semifinals Friday night. Ionescu had 24 hours following the loss to declare for the draft.

“As disappointing and sad as yesterday was, today is equally joyous,” Oregon coach Kelly Graves told the AP in a phone interview. “She’s meant so much to the program. I think to college basketball. She’s transcending the sport. She’s got NBA superstars, not just players, but superstars, commenting and breaking down her game.”

The Ducks return most of their team that won the Pac-12 title and likely will be a favorite to win the national championship.

Notre Dame guard Jackie Young is faced with the same decision as Ionescu. She will have 24 hours after playing in the national championship game Sunday night. A few players have decided to leave

college early to turn pro, including former Irish guard Jewell Loyd. Buffalo promoted former coach Nate Oats’ top assistant, Jim Whitesell, to take over its men’s basketball program.

Si Woo Kim’s third-round lead at the Valero Open was trimmed to one over Corey Conners, trying to become the first Monday qualifier to win on the PGA Tour since 2010. Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth started the day tied for second, four shots back, but both finished eight back after shooting 73. Caroline Wozniacki and Madison Keys will play for the title in Charleston, S.C. after straight-set wins. NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Christopher Bell earned his first victory at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and a $100,000 bonus.

Keeneland says that filly Cathedral Reader was euthanized after a “catastrophic injury” sustained during the Madison Stakes.