By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

The announcement came less than a couple of hours before the deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft.

But Payton Sandfort is coming back for a final season at Iowa.

Sandfort made his announcement on social media on Wednesday night, meaning the Hawkeyes will get their leading scorer from last season back.

“This process has been an unbelievable experience and thanks to everyone for all the help along the way,” Sandfort said in a statement. “But my heart is still in Iowa City, unfinished business.  Trust in God’s plan always.”

Sandfort, a 6-foot-7 forward, was coming off his best season with the Hawkeyes. He , averaged 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting 44.6% from the floor, 37.9% in 3-pointers. He was a third-team All-Big Ten selection.

Sandfort was being projected as a second-round pick by most of the NBA’s draft analyst. Now he’s back to bolster a roster for a program coming off an NIT appearance after four consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

“Everyone in our program is elated to have Payton return for his senior season,” said Iowa coach Fran McCaffery. “Going through the NBA Draft process has been very beneficial for Payton as he was able gain valuable feedback and meet directly with NBA personnel.  We are looking forward to having Payton return as our team leader and as one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference.”

Photo: Payton Sandfort (right) announced on Wednesday that he would be returning for his senior season at Iowa. (Stephen Mally/hawkeyesports.com)