Amari Allen Declares for NBA Draft, Keeps Bama Option Open

0:00On April 20th, Alabama forward, Amari Allen just dropped big news on Instagram, declaring for the 2026 NBA draft while keeping his college. Eligibility intact. The freshman ballhandler started 24 of his 32 games this season, putting up 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1 steal, and 0.7 blocks per game on average. He snagged SEC Freshman of the week honors 3 times and made the all SEC freshman team. He's gearing up to test the draft waters at the NBA Combine for May 10th to 17th in Chicago, getting feedback on where he stacks up. That gives him until May 27th to pull back and return to the Crimson Tide for the 2026-27 season. Coach Nate Oatte called Allen a surprise standout this year, especially since recruiting sites leapt on him. Allen shouted out his teammates, coaches, and Tuscaloosa for making his freshman run unforgettable, saying the NBA's always been his dream, but Alabama feels like home.

1:04After talks with family and his agent, he's letting them crunch the numbers on what's best, but he made it clear he'd love to run it back with Bama. Unless the pros lock him in, eyes stay on the Tides roster shuffle, with some like London Jimisin locked in to return while others, like Aiden Holloway, weigh their next. Coach draft, transfer, or back for more.