Penn State has one of the pieces to its NCAA Tournament puzzle returning for one more season.

Penn State athletics announced with a media release, center Mike Watkins will return to school for his final year of eligibility. 

Watkins will enter his redshirt senior year instead of trying his talents at professional basketball.

Watkins averaged 9.9 points per game so far in his career. According to the media release, he ranks No. 10 in Penn State history in rebounds with 725. He has 879 career points.

He scored in double figures 11 times in the 2019-20 season including a game-high 19 points against Michigan while pulling down 12 rebounds.

Penn State will wait and see if leading-scorer Lamar Stevens will return for his senior season. He has declared for the NBA draft, but can return to school after hiring an agent per NCAA rules.

Also, standout guard Rasir Bolton has entered the transfer portal. Bolton has the option to return to Penn State as well as transfer to another school.