Star point guard Corey Sanders hasn't withdrawn his name from consideration for the NBA Draft, but Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell expects him to be back with the Scarlet Knights for the 2016-17 season.

Pikiell said Sanders didn't get an invite to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, which begins May 11. That would have given him a chance to showcase his wares to NBA teams, much like Seton Hall star point guard Isaiah Whitehead (who was invited).

The 6-foot-2 Sanders, one of Rutgers' most highly touted recruits in recent years, averaged 15.9 points and 4.3 assists as a freshman last season and would give Pikiell a major building block going forward.

"Corey's been great," Pikiell said in a phone interview Monday, referring to both Sanders' work on the court and in the classroom since Pikiell and his staff arrived following the firing of coach Eddie Jordan in March.

Pikiell said it's not a reflection on Sanders' talent that he didn't get invited to Chicago, noting that Indiana star Yogi Ferrell wasn't invited, either.

Pikiell also has been encouraged by the work his team is doing in the weight room with new strength and conditioning coach David VanDyke, who is allowed to work with them for six hours per week under NCAA rules.

"They're starting to lose weight," Pikiell said, "the players that needed to, and they're getting in better shape."