Alabama basketball forward Jarin Stevenson was NBA bound after a historic Final Four run with the Crimson Tide in the spring. However, the sophomore has decided to forgo his plans of declaring for the NBA draft and return to Tuscaloosa for another season, driven by the chance to win the program's first national championship.

Staying Put to Reach New Heights

Prioritizing Team Success Over Individual Aspirations

Stevenson, a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, had a promising future in the NBA after a standout sophomore campaign. However, the talented forward saw something special brewing in Tuscaloosa and decided to put his professional dreams on hold. "I saw that we had a good team here at Alabama," Stevenson explained during the first media availability of the 2024-25 season. "And, of course, the chance at the program's first national championship."Stevenson's decision to stay was not an easy one, but he believes it will ultimately pay dividends for both his individual development and the team's championship aspirations. "It's always been a goal for me," he said, referring to the Crimson Tide's quest for a national title. Stevenson's teammate and SEC Preseason Player of the Year, Mark Sears, shared a similar sentiment, opting to forgo the NBA draft alongside Stevenson in May.

Honing His Craft Under Oats' Tutelage

Stevenson, who comes from a basketball pedigree with his parents both having played the sport professionally, believes he can still "get a lot better" at Alabama. He praised head coach Nate Oats and assistant Ryan Pannone, crediting them for his continued growth and development."I feel like just going through another year here, I can learn a lot and become stronger and different things like that," Stevenson said. As a freshman, he showcased his potential, averaging 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, while also recording six double-doubles and five starts during conference play.Stevenson's breakout moment came in Alabama's Elite Eight win over Clemson, where he scored a season-high 19 points, highlighted by a season-best five 3-pointers. Now, with a full season of experience under his belt and the opportunity to take on a larger role, the 6-foot-11, 215-pounder is poised to take his game to new heights.

Preseason Glimpse of Stevenson's Expanded Role

Stevenson has already seen increased playing time in the preseason, demonstrating his versatility and growth. In Alabama's exhibition game against Memphis, he recorded 11 points, three rebounds, and two blocks. In the team's first preseason exhibition against Wake Forest, Stevenson made the starting rotation and posted 10 points, six rebounds, and a block in 25 minutes.These early performances suggest that Stevenson's decision to stay at Alabama will pay dividends, as he is expected to handle a more significant load this season. His five-star rating out of high school at Seaforth and accolades like the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year for the Tar Heel State indicate that he has the potential to continue his upward trajectory and lead the Crimson Tide to new heights.