Alabama Basketball: NBA Draft withdrawal deadline looming

Alabama Basketball has fared pretty well this offseason, bringing in a solid 2023 recruiting class and a pair of high-value transfer guards. Additionally, Coach Nate Oats seems to have an early jump on the class of 2024, and has drawn serious consideration from at least one elite prospect who could potentially reclassify into 2023.

The biggest question mark for Alabama Basketball heading into the 2023-24 season is a trio of returning starters who have yet to officially announce decisions regarding where they will play in the upcoming season.

Graduate student guard Jahvon Quinerly, senior guard Mark Sears, and junior center Charles Bediako are all currently listed on the roster for next year. However, all three are still in the process of testing the NBA Draft waters.

Given that they were all major contributors for Bama hoops last season, plus the fact that there is very little SEC experience behind them, these decisions are going to be critical.

According to reports, Charles Bediako has been impressive both in team workouts as well as at the G-League Elite Camp, which took place over the weekend. Mark Sears also participated in the elite camp alongside Bediako. Quinerly’s process has been fairly quiet thus far.

This trio will not have much longer to make their final decisions. The NBA Draft withdrawal deadline of June 1 is just over two weeks away and will arrive quickly. Quinerly, Sears, and Bediako must announce their withdrawal from the draft by this date if they wish to retain their college eligibility and play for Alabama Basketball next season.

Should the whole group decide to pursue professional options, Bama would have to lean heavily on transfers and freshmen next season. Bediako is arguably the most important battle for the Crimson Tide to win, given his experience and two-way abilities in the front court.

While Bama would love to keep Sears and Quinerly, it also added two electric guards via the transfer portal this offseason. As a result, Coach Oats could likely get away with retaining just one of his returning guards.

Should all three of these players return, they will form the core of a team that should have enough talent and experience to compete for its third SEC crown in four years.