Alec Peters returning to Valparaiso for senior season

Valparaiso got a huge boost for 2016-17 on Monday as leading scorer Alec Peters told CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein he's returning to the Crusaders for his senior season.

Peters declared for the 2016 NBA Draft earlier in May but withdrew at Wednesday's deadline. There was a great deal of speculation that the 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward would pursue a graduate transfer for his final season, but in the end, he's decided to remain with the Horizon League program.

The Illinois native showed his wide-ranging skills this past season by pouring in 18.4 points per game while adding 8.5 rebounds. Peters' proficiency from behind the arc would have made him an attractive transfer target, as the power forward connected on 44 percent of his attempts from deep.