Even though he probably won't be taken in the first round of next week's NBA draft, Alabama sophomore point guard Mo Williams elected to leave school Thursday and remain in the draft.

Only first-round selections are guaranteed contracts in the NBA, but Williams, the Sporting News' National Freshman of the Year in 2002, is apparently ready to begin the next phase of his career.

Williams flew to his hometown of Jackson, Miss., on Thursday after working out for the New Jersey Nets earlier in the day. After meeting with his family he decided to stay in the draft. Underclassmen and foreign players had until 4 p.m. to fax a letter to the NBA offices if they intended to withdraw from the draft.

Williams phoned Alabama coach Mark Gottfried to tell him his decision. Gottfried, who felt Williams needed more college seasoning, declined to comment on Williams' departure.