SEC News: NBA Draft decisions, McCants enters portal

Here are a few things to know from a busy Wednesday across the SEC, a majority of which include players remaining in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Tennessee F Julian Phillips remains in 2023 NBA Draft

Tennessee forward Julian Phillips officially remained in the 2023 NBA Draft on Wednesday, which brings an end to his collegiate career. Phillips started in 25-of-32 games a year ago at Tennessee, averaging 8.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 1.4 APG on 82.2% shooting from the free throw line to earn SEC All-Freshman honors.

Kentucky F Oscar Tshiebwe remains in 2023 NBA Draft

The 2021-22 SEC and National Player of the Year, Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe officially remained in the 2023 NBA Draft on Wednesday. Tshiebwe started in 30-of-32 games for the Wildcats this past season, averaging 16.5 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 1.6 APG, and 1.6 SPG on 56% shooting from the field to earn Consensus Second Team All-American honors.

Auburn F Jaylin Williams withdraws from 2023 NBA Draft

Auburn forward Jaylin Williams withdrew from the 2023 NBA Draft on Wednesday, and will return to the Tigers for the 2023-24 season. Williams started in all 33 games for the Tigers last season, averaging 11.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 1.1 SPG on 35.4% shooting from three.

Ole Miss OF TJ McCants enters transfer portal

Having appeared in 167 games, 148 of which he started, across the last three seasons, Ole Miss outfielder TJ McCants entered the transfer portal Wednesday. McCants started in 38-of-47 games this past season with the Rebels, slashing .232/.308/.472 with nine HR, 27 RBI, and 10 SB.

2 SEC programs in Top 5 for UC Riverside transfer G Zyon Pullin

UC Riverside transfer guard Zyon Pullin released a top five list Wednesday, with both Florida and LSU listed alongside Gonzaga, Michigan, and Xavier. Pullin started in all 29 games last season for UC Riverside, averaging 18.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 4.2 APG on 39.4% shooting from three to earn First Team All-Big West honors.