WASHINGTON - 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 during a wide-ranging conference call Thursday with reporters.

"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 its 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."

"I think that on the basis of what he clearly demonstrated in the NCAA Finals, he is going to be -- when he decides to come out or he graduates -- a very top draft pick in the NBA.

"But from our perspective, we think it's fine that somebody decides to enjoy another year of college."

AGE LIMIT

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.

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