The NBA Draft 2024 withdrawal deadline has passed, and several significant decisions have reshaped the landscape of college basketball for the 2024–25 season. Here’s a look at the winners and losers from this pivotal day:
Winners
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
- Mark Sears & Jarin Stevenson: Alabama secured a major victory with the return of Mark Sears and Jarin Stevenson. Sears, a top player last season, will be crucial for Alabama’s aspirations to be the preseason No. 1 team. Stevenson’s return adds depth and shooting ability to the roster, boosting Alabama’s chances of returning to the Final Four.
2. Arizona Wildcats
- Caleb Love: Arizona got a significant boost as Pac-12 Player of the Year Caleb Love decided to return. His presence strengthens the Wildcats as they transition to the Big 12, positioning them as strong contenders for the conference title.
3. UConn Huskies
- Alex Karaban: The return of Alex Karaban ensures UConn retains at least one starter from their previous roster. Karaban’s shooting and experience are vital as UConn aims for another national title run.
4. Texas Tech Red Raiders
- JT Toppin: Securing JT Toppin, who won Mountain West Rookie of the Year, is a significant win for Texas Tech. His potential and talent will be essential for the Red Raiders’ success under second-year coach Grant McCasland.
5. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Hunter Sallis: Wake Forest retained Hunter Sallis, who emerged as a key player last season. Sallis’s decision to stay makes him a top contender for ACC Player of the Year, bolstering Wake Forest’s chances in the ACC.
Losers
1. Memphis Tigers
- David Jones: Memphis faces a setback as David Jones decided to stay in the draft. Jones, who led the AAC in scoring, leaves a significant void. Despite strong transfer additions, Memphis will need to find new solutions to replace his production.
2. Illinois Fighting Illini
- Coleman Hawkins: Illinois lost Coleman Hawkins, who withdrew from the draft but chose to transfer. Hawkins was instrumental in Illinois’s Elite Eight run, and his departure creates a gap that will be challenging to fill.
3. Dayton Flyers
- DaRon Holmes: Dayton suffers a blow with the loss of DaRon Holmes, the 2024 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. His departure leaves Dayton without their star scorer and rim protector, despite solid transfer additions.
Summary
The NBA Draft 2024 withdrawal deadline has led to significant shifts in college basketball rosters. While programs like Alabama, Arizona, and UConn celebrate the return of key players, others like Memphis, Illinois, and Dayton face the challenge of filling critical gaps left by departing stars. As the 2024–25 season approaches, these decisions will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape and impact teams’ aspirations for success.
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