Sherron Collins is coming back to Kansas for his senior season — if he had to decide right now.

Problem is, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA Draft isn’t until April 26. So Collins, a junior guard, still has more than three weeks to debate returning to college or declaring for the draft. Collins said the only way he could envision leaving was if Kansas coach Bill Self thought it was best for him.

“Some things would have to happen,” Collins said after Kansas’ 67-62 Sweet Sixteen loss to Michigan State. “Coach would have to tell me something. If Coach doesn’t tell me nothing, I’m coming back. Whatever he decides, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Collins said he had no financial concerns or family problems that could sway his decision. In fact, the only other factor Collins shared was the decision of sophomore center Cole Aldrich, who could also declare for the NBA draft.

Collins said he hoped to confer with Aldrich before either made a definitive statement.

“I love him like a little brother,” Collins said. “So Cole will play a big part in what will happen with me next year.”

Both players were honored by the Associated Press Monday. Collins was named AP All-American third team, and Aldrich was given AP All-American honorable mention.

While Collins was open in discussing his future after the Sweet Sixteen and throughout the NCAA tournament, Aldrich offered little insight into how he felt.

He set no criteria for his decision. He gave no indication of which way he was leaning. When the NBA Draft questions came up after the Michigan State defeat, Aldrich quickly changed the subject.

“I’m not worried about that right now,” Aldrich said. “It’s going to take me a good while to get over this one because this one really hurts.”

Self said he would gather information about where Collins and Aldrich would likely be drafted and present it to them and their families. Self went through this process last year with three underclassmen — Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur.

All three declared for the draft. But Self said he wouldn’t be surprised if both Collins and Aldrich came back to Kansas next year.

“I do have an opinion on both of them — what I think would be best for their lives — but my opinion doesn’t always matter in certain situations,” Self said. “We’ll wait and see how it plays out.”

Collins and Aldrich’s teammates are also waiting to see. In the Kansas locker room at Lucas Oil Stadium after the loss, the rest of the Jayhawks seemed to be at a consensus: They’re hoping to have their two leaders back, but understand if either leaves.

“They’ve got to do what’s best for them,” freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor said. “If being here next year is what they think is best for them, we are going to love it because we will be back in the same situation and the outcome will be different next year if we’ve got those two guys with us.”

How different?

“We’d be a contender for a national championship next year,” Collins said. “Possibly the winner.”

— — Edited by Casey Miles