South Carolina forward Chris Silva has withdrew from the 2018 NBA draft and will return to school for his senior season.
Silva announced his intentions to enter the draft on April 17. He did not sign with an agent, which allowed him the opportunity to return to the program.
The 6-9 power forward averaged 14.3 points and 8.0 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game during the 2017-18 season.
He's baaaaaaaack ? @SilvaObame returning to Carolina for senior season ⤵️
? » https://t.co/X8okYBE8uk#Gamecocks?? #ForeverToThee pic.twitter.com/vBrJfVE9hw
— Gamecock MBB (@GamecockMBB) May 21, 2018
Silva earned All-SEC first team and All-Defensive team honors while being named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the conference.
He played a key role in the Gamecocks’ march to the Final Four in 2017, and his role increased significantly after the team lost several important contributors from that group.
Frank Martin could return the bulk of his roster heading into next season and could potentially add Louisville transfer Brian Bowen, who has also declared for the NBA draft without an agent.
Bowen’s status is still unknown following the FBI investigation into college basketball, with the NCAA yet to rule on his eligibility status going forward.
The Gamecocks went 17-16 overall this past season.
[smbtoolbar]