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Alabama Freshman Amari Allen Declares for 2026 NBA Draft, Keeps Eligibility

The move opens the evaluation window for teams, leaving Alabama to await a choice that could shape its 2026–27 lineup.

Overview

  • Allen announced on Instagram Sunday night that he will enter the draft while preserving his NCAA eligibility.
  • He can seek feedback at the NBA Draft Combine May 10–17 in Chicago and withdraw by May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET to keep playing for Alabama.
  • Draft evaluators view him as a late first- to second-round pick, with ESPN’s mock listing him No. 28 overall.
  • The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists as a freshman, earning SEC All-Freshman honors in 32 games with 24 starts.
  • If he stays in the draft, Alabama loses a starter who led the team in rebounds; if he returns, Nate Oats regains a proven piece as the program continues to produce early NBA entrants like Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney.