ATHENS — University of Georgia basketball player Travis Leslie has decided to keep his name on the list of underclassmen in the NBA Draft and will not return for his senior season at Georgia, according to an announcement Tuesday by coach Mark Fox.

Leslie, a 6-foot-4 guard from Decatur, announced a week ago that he was testing his draft status by adding his name to the list of underclassman candidates.

“After talking it over with my family, I have decided that I will forgo my senior year and enter into the NBA Draft,” Leslie said. “I would like to thank UGA for giving me the opportunity, as well as coach Fox and the staff in helping me to improve my game. Last but not least, I’d like to thank the Georgia fans for their support over the past three years.”

Leslie averaged 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in 2011, second on the team behind Trey Thompkins in both categories, and he also handed out 97 assists.

Like Thompkins, he surpassed the 1,000-point mark in 2011 and finished the season with 1,099 points, which ranks 30th on the UGA career scoring chart.

“It was my pleasure to coach Travis,” Fox said. “It has been a real joy to see him develop as a player the past couple of seasons. He has made a decision to pursue his dream and we wish him nothing but the best.”

The NBA Draft will take place June 23 in Newark, N.J. For the first time ever, UGA will have two of its underclassmen among the pool of draft candidates. Thompkins also declared for the draft last week after three seasons as a Bulldog.