April 10, 2008

Milwaukee - Junior guard Dominic James put to rest any questions regarding his status for the 2008-09 campaign, announcing Thursday night at the team banquet that he will return for his senior season.

"It's a major decision," James said. "I had to talk to my family about it. I'm confident in Buzz (Williams). When they (Marquette) made that decision, I was confident in the head coach we were going to have next year, regardless of if I was here or not. But I feel like my future is in the best hands back here at Marquette.

"I'm coming back for my senior year with a core group of guys that's ready to win," James added. "That's what I'm about, too." An All-BIG EAST Second Team selection this year, James concluded the season averaging 12.9 points, 4.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game. He ranked among the league leaders in assists, steals and assist-to-turnover ratio.

His name is already scattered throughout the school's record book, including a ranking of fourth all-time in assists (488) and his 1,431 career points is the 15th-best mark at Marquette.

The Golden Eagles will be coming off a 25-win campaign, which saw the team advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Williams was named the program's 16th mentor on April 8, 2008 after serving as an assistant with the team in 2007-08.

"For all our guys, regardless of their futures, we want to make sure that we put them in the best possible position that we can put them in as it relates to their time at Marquette, and I think that Dominic felt like this was the best decision for him," Williams said.

News & Notes: Sophomore David Cubillan underwent successful shoulder surgery on Wednesday and is expected to recover in time for 2008-09 ... The arthroscopic procedure repaired the joint capsule of his right shoulder, an injury Cubillan played through for a majority of the 2007-08 season ... Freshman Scott Christopherson has been granted a release from his scholarship at Marquette ... Signee Nick Williams has been granted a release from his National Letter of Intent.