Alabama Guard Jahvon Quinerly Returning for Final Year of Eligibility
He's got one more in him.
Alabama guard Jahvon Quinerly has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and opted to use his final season of eligibility after a season that saw him earn SEC Co-Sixth Man of the Year honors.
Quinerly has been playing college basketball since the 2018-19 season, but had to sit out the 2019-20 season due to the NCAA not granting him a waiver after transferring to Alabama. Quinerly is using his extra COVID year of eligibility, which is available to every student-athlete that played during the 2020-21 season.
Many thought Quinerly would turn professional after the 2021-22 season, but after tearing his ACL in the opening minutes of the 2022 NCAA Tournament, he elected to return to Alabama to rehab his injury.
This led to a roller coaster of a season this past year, but one where Quinerly's resolve never looked stronger. He overcame his injuries and embraced a role coming off the bench after having previously been a starter the season before.
He was integral in Alabama's SEC regular season and tournament championships, and earned himself a spot in the starting lineup en route to the Crimson Tide's second Sweet 16 appearance in three years.
Quinerly returns as head coach Nate Oats' longest-tenured player, and one that will undoubtedly be the leader of next year's team as the Crimson Tide looks to repeat in the SEC and make another run in the NCAA Tournament.
It is still unclear whether Quinerly will take back a starting spot or return to his sixth man role, but throughout his career he has showcased immense levels of flexibility and unselfishness for the betterment of his team.
Quinerly is the final Alabama player who tested the draft waters to announce his decision. Center Charles Bediako is remaining in the draft, while guard Mark Sears is also returning to the Crimson Tide.
