Terquavion Smith, a projected first-round pick, is withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to NC State for his sophomore season.

"I've decided to play next season for NC State, the first team to offer me a scholarship," Smith said via text. "I owe so much to Todd Ramasar, the agent who walked me through this process; Ross McMains, the incredible coach who prepared me so well for all I've just gone through, and the Life Sports Agency team. This past month has been eye opening on so many ways. Todd, Ross, and their team helped put me on the NBA map."

Smith was the No. 22 prospect in the ESPN 100.

"I have to be honest and admit money has never been at the center of my thoughts," he said. "My agent explained to me that teams as high as the late teens, through the rest of the first round, all have me ranked as a first-round talent. It's exciting to hear that. But I told him I have more work to do. I like school and my college in particular. Remember, my last two years have been so strange, thanks to the pandemic. I just want one more season to get everything right and just be a college student."

A late bloomer physically, Smith wasn't considered a major prospect coming out of Farmville (North Carolina) Central High School, despite winning three consecutive state championships.