Crawford will come back to NU

EVANSTON, Ill.-Senior forward Drew Crawford (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) announced Friday (April 19) that he will remain at Northwestern for his final year of eligibility during the 2013-14 season.

"I can't wait to be on the court with my Northwestern teammates again this upcoming season," Crawford said. "Coach Collins has brought great energy to the program and we all believe in his vision. I have loved my experience here at NU and I'm proud to call it home. I'm ready to do all I can to lead this group and make my last year at Northwestern a great one."

"We're all thrilled that Drew has decided to remain here at Northwestern for his fifth year," Wildcats' head coach Chris Collins said. "It obviously will be a tremendous asset to have him continue to be a part of the program, not only because of his ability on the court but he's also an outstanding leader. Drew has invested a great deal into the program over the last four years. I look forward to having the opportunity to coach him and having him be a key member of our team."

Crawford started each of the team's first 10 games of the 2012-13 campaign, averaging 13.5 points per game, but he missed the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right labrum. He received a medical hardship waiver to receive a fifth year of eligibility.

A consensus third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2011-12, Crawford ranked sixth in the Big Ten with a scoring average of 16.1 points per game his junior year. He was named the 2009-10 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Northwestern participated in postseason play in each of his first three seasons.

Crawford enters his final season of play ranked 10th in school history with 1,418 career points.

An economics major, Crawford was a Capital One Academic All-America second-team selection as a junior. He intends to pursue his master's degree in sports administration.