Stern believes Noah will one day be an NBA star

NBA Commissioner David Stern thinks Joakim Noah will be a star in the NBA but will probably return to the University of Florida for his junior season.

The son of former French Open tennis champion Yannick Noah transformed himself from a bench-warmer as a freshman to a future NBA lottery pick while leading the Gators to the national title.

"I think that he is going to be a star in the NBA," Stern said.

"I think that he is most likely going to return to college for another year, a decision that I applaud for him because he's going to get to enjoy another year of college, which is not just about basketball, but about life."

The 6-foot-11, 225-pound forward told a rally in Gainesville he would return to school but that has failed to quell speculation he could turn pro while his stock is high.

Noah was voted the most outstanding player in the NCAA Tournament while leading Florida to their first national title. A 21-year-old with an uncanny abundance of energy, Noah averaged more than 14 points and seven rebounds this year.

Stern thought another year at Florida would help him "develop his skills further." Noah has until April 29 to declare his intention to enter the June 28 NBA draft.

The NBA's youngest players, those who jumped straight from high school to the pros this season, have generally had a mediocre freshman campaign.

Monta Ellis, of the Golden State Warriors, is averaging 6.1 points and Martell Webster, of the Portland Trailblazers, 6.0 to lead the pack.

Beginning with this year's draft, prep players must wait one year after their class graduates and turn 19 by the end of the calendar year to join the NBA.