Storrs, CT -- (Sports Network) - Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet will return for his junior season at the school in 2008-09.

The 2007-08 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Thabeet finished the year ranked No. 3 in the nation in blocked shots and is No. 2 all-time on the UConn career list, behind only Emeka Okafor.

"I am excited about the opportunity to stay at UConn and continue the mission that we started this season," said Thabeet. "I also want to thank my family and close friends for all of their help and support. As a team, we took a step in the right direction this year, but I look forward to us working together to win a Big East Championship and making a run at a national championship."

The 7-foot-3 Thabeet averaged 10.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and a team-leading 4.5 blocks in 33 games last season.

"We are happy that Hasheem has made the decision to return for his junior season," said head coach Jim Calhoun. "Hasheem has made as much progress as any player I have coached in my 36 years and if he continues that incredible progress, he will help us take the next step as a team and help himself become one of the best players in college basketball."