Overview
- Allen posted on social media Wednesday around 5 p.m. that he would withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft and play for Alabama in 2026-27 after averaging 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a freshman.
- Combine testing and team feedback influenced his choice because he measured about 6-foot-5 at the NBA combine, well below his listed 6-foot-8 height, which likely lowered his draft projection.
- His return effectively secures a starting spot on Alabama’s projected 2026-27 depth chart and changes how coach Nate Oats will allocate minutes and ball-handling duties next season.
- The roster still faces key uncertainties: guard Aden Holloway’s scholarship depends on the outcome of pending legal matters and forward Collins Onyejiaka is managing a heart condition that could affect his availability.
- Allen used the NCAA process that lets underclassmen test the draft and withdraw by the deadline, a path Labaron Philon used a year ago to return and improve his draft standing, so Alabama and scouts will watch how Allen develops before the 2027 draft.