Point guard Larry Drew II on Wednesday once again tried to quash persistent rumors that he plans to transfer during the offseason.

Asked if there's any question that he'll be back in Chapel Hill next season, the sophomore said: "Yeah, man. I'll be back."

"As long as people just want something to put out there, they're going to say whatever they're going to say, and just make up any kind of rumors, any kind of story - just try to stir something up. But I'll be here."

Drew, who struggled with confidence and consistency during the regular season, has been a key part of UNC's four-game winning streak and trip to tonight's title game. In the second round, he buried a driving, winning layup at Mississippi State with 2 seconds left. At Alabama-Birmingham in the quarterfinals, he converted another last-minute layup, plus two free throws, to help seal the victory. And Tuesday night in the semifinals against Rhode Island, he scored UNC's last five points in regulation to help force overtime.

Elsewhere

GEORGIA: Guard Travis Leslie says he is returning for his junior season.

LOUISVILLE: Coach Rick Pitino agreed in principle to a four-year contract extension on Wednesday that will keep him on the sideline through the 2016-17 season. Financial details have yet to be worked out.

PITTSBURGH: Men's basketball coach Jamie Dixon signed a two-year contract extension Wednesday, ending any speculation he might leave the Panthers for a higher-paying job.

VIRGINIA TECH: Guard Malcolm Delaney says he is putting his name in for the NBA draft, but he does not plan to hire an agent.

That would allow Delaney, a junior, to retain his eligibility and return for his senior season. He must take his name off the list of early entries by May 8 to return to Virginia Tech.

Delaney led the ACC in scoring with an average of 20.2 points.