NCAA Basketball: 8 biggest takeaways from 2023 NBA Draft deadline results
Florida Atlantic brings back all the pieces from Final Four squad
The Owls were the biggest surprise in all of NCAA Basketball, winning a total of 35 games (program record), and making it all the way to the Final Four. It was done by a collective effort, with some incredible depth and several transfers that ultimately worked out.
But the biggest reason why FAU was so successful was the star backcourt duo of Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin. They led the team with over 13 ppg and 5.3 rpg each and had some big games both in the regular season and NCAA Tournament.
Both showed the ability to play at a high level and became sudden NBA Draft prospects. They each waited until the final day to make a decision.
Florida Atlantic junior guards Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin - catalysts of the Owls’ 2023 Final Four run - are withdrawing from the NBA Draft and returning to FAU to anchor a preseason Top 5 team under coach Dusty May, Davis and Martin tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 31, 2023
Neither were projected draft picks but a case could’ve been made that both Davis and Martin could’ve rode the momentum and newfound fame into getting a two-way deal and staying pro. Instead, the Owls will bring back its entire roster for next season.
The most impressive thing is that in the transfer portal era, none of the players on the roster entered, even those who didn’t have as large of roles. It’s been the biggest offseason for the Owls program, coming off the biggest season overall.