South Carolina’s all-SEC guard Downey pulls out of NBA draft to return for senior season

SCarolina guard Downey pulls out of NBA draft

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina is getting its all-Southeastern Conference guard back as Devan Downey said Saturday he is returning to school for his senior season.

The 5-foot-9 player worked out for several NBA teams before making his decision two days before the deadline.

“I want to thank my coaches, teammates and fans for being so supportive throughout the process,” Downey said in a statement released by the school. “It was a great experience for me, but the best decision for me right now is to come back to school.”

Downey averaged 19.8 points and 4.5 assists, ranking third in the SEC in both categories. He led the league with 2.9 steals.

South Carolina already has to replace senior Zam Fredrick’s 32 minutes and 15.5 points.

Losing Downey would have been a tough blow for a team that went 20-10, earned a share of the SEC East title and missed the NCAA tournament in coach Darrin Horn’s first season.

“Devan and I have been on the same page throughout the process,” Horn said. “The feedback he received from several NBA teams and personnel will continue to help him grow as a basketball player.”

Downey’s teammate junior forward Dominique Archie also declared for the NBA draft, but decided to return to school Thursday. Archie averaged 10.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.