Quincy Ballard Withdraws From 2025 NBA Draft, Returns to Mississippi State, Per Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated May 28, 2025 11:53 PM ET

Quincy Ballard has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will return to school for the 2025-26 season, according to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.

The 6-foot-11 center provides head coach Chris Jans with a much-needed anchor in the paint after significant turnover in the Bulldogs' frontcourt.

Mississippi State's Quincy Ballard tells me that he has withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return to school next season.

Transfer from Wichita State who averaged 10.0 PPG and 9.2 RPG last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 28, 2025

Ballard, 24, brings veteran experience and production to Starkville following a standout season at Wichita State. He started all 33 games for the Shockers last season, averaging 10 points and 9.2 rebounds while shooting a program-record 75.1% from the field.

The big man also set a Wichita State single-season record with 62 dunks. Originally from Syracuse, New York, Ballard has also played at Florida State.

Mississippi State’s frontcourt has thinned considerably with the departures of Jimmy Bell Jr., Michael Nwoko, and Jeremy Foumena. Ballard is expected to play a key role alongside incoming freshmen Tee Bartlett and Jamarion Davis-Fleming. His defensive ability and size positions him as a force during a transitional period.

Ballard was the second high-profile addition for Mississippi State this offseason, joining UAB transfer guard Ja’Borri McGhee. His decision to join the Bulldogs came just a week after star point guard Josh Hubbard announced his return following his own NBA Draft withdrawal

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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