Alabama's Gee leaves NBA draft

May 22, 2008 - 10:14 PM TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (Ticker) -- Swingman Alonzo Gee has decided to withdraw his name from the NBA draft and return to school, Alabama announced Thursday.

The 6-6 Gee started in all 33 games as a junior this past season, averaging 14.5 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Crimson Tide (17-16), who failed to make the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.

Gee, who was one of three players for Alabama to declare for early entry along with Richard Hendrix and Ronald Steele, was able to return due to not hiring an agent. The deadline for returning to school is June 16.

"I learned a lot from the draft process and I appreciate everyone's support," Gee said. "I have decided to return to Alabama and look forward to helping our program reach our goals for the 2008-09 season."

"We supported Alonzo through this process," Alabama coach Mark Gottfried said. "He has evaluated all the input. We look forward to him continuing to develop and are excited that he will return. It's important to understand that he is on track to graduate next year as well which is important to him and to all of us."

In 96 career games, Gee has averaged 12.0 points and 5.2 rebounds.