Alabama men's basketball received some big news on Tuesday when freshman Braxton Key informed the team he pulled his name from the NBA Draft.

Key decided to enter the draft after leading the Crimson Tide in points and minutes as a true freshman in 2016-17. After spending a month going through the process, Key made the decision to return for another year under Avery Johnson.

His return could be the difference in a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012. His experience and versatility highlights a strong group of returning players that will soon be joined by an incoming top-five signing class that features five-star Collin Sexton.

The Crimson Tide is already being included in early preseason top 25 polls so the expectations will be as high as they've been in years when the season gets started this fall.

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