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Alabama Guard Jahvon Quinerly Entering NBA Draft, Maintaining College Eligibility
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama point guard Jahvon Quinerly has elected to enter his name into the upcoming NBA Draft while still maintaining his eligibility, leaving the option open for him to return to Alabama next season.
Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports first reported Quinerly's decision.
Quinerly just completed his fifth season of college basketball. After committing to Villanova as a 5-star recruit and McDonald's All-American in the Class of 2018, Quinerly saw limited minutes as a freshman playing for head coach Jay Wright.
After his freshman year, he transferred to Alabama soon after head coach Nate Oats was hired. He was then ruled ineligible for the 2019-20 season by the NCAA, after a request for an immediate eligibility waiver was denied.
Quinerly spent the next two seasons playing in a major role for the Crimson Tide, including being named the MVP of the 2021 SEC Tournament, before tearing his ACL in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
Prior to his injury, many thought Quinerly would opt to consider professional options after the 2021-22 season, but he stayed in Tuscaloosa for the 2022-23 season to rehab and get back to playing high-level basketball.
This past season, Quinerly came off the bench for Alabama on the way to his second SEC regular season title and was named the conference's Co-Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 8.7 points and leading the Crimson Tide with 3.6 assists per game.
After an explosive 24-point performance in a comeback win over Auburn, Quinerly was inserted into the starting lineup for postseason play. His play elevated to a level not seen since before his injury, earning him the nickname "March JQ" with his coaches and teammates. He averaged over 14 points per game in the month of March.
Having played one season at Villanova and three seasons at Alabama, Quinerly has one season of eligibility left due to the free "COVID year" given to all student-athletes who played during the 2020-21 season.
Quinerly has until May 31 to decide whether he wants to remain in the draft or withdraw his name and return to Alabama for his final year if eligibility.
See also:
Alabama Basketball Center Charles Bediako to Test NBA Draft Waters
Alabama Basketball and Top Prospect in State Parting Ways
Jaykwon Walton to Transfer from Wichita State to Alabama Basketball
