Another name has been removed from the 2019 NBA Draft pool.
North Carolina State guard Markell Johnson announced Friday via Twitter he has decided to withdraw from the draft to return to school for his senior season.
— Markell Johnson (@kells_2017) May 24, 2019
Johnson wrote:
"I want to thank my family, coaches and teammates at NC State for the support they've given me while I gathered feedback on where I am as a player, and where I need to improve. It has always been my dream to play in the NBA and it still is, but at this time I have decided to withdrawal my name from the draft, and return for my senior season. I'm excited about what we have returning and ready to join my teammates to get NC State back to the NCAA tournament."
Johnson was the Wolfpack's second-leading scorer and top assist man in 2018-19. The 6-1 floor general averaged 12.6 points and 4.2 assists and shot 42.2 percent from deep. He may have to assume a larger workload in 2019-20, as NC State's top scorer Torin Dorn has graduated and 2019 combo guard recruit Jalen Lecque could jump straight to the NBA from prep school.
NC State finished last season 21-12 and lost to Seton Hall in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Johnson could be a key piece in his team's improvement this year.