Amari Allen Announces NBA Draft Declaration
Alabama freshman forward Amari Allen has officially declared his intention to enter the 2026 NBA Draft while still maintaining his collegiate eligibility. The announcement came on Instagram late Sunday evening, where he expressed gratitude to the community in Tuscaloosa for making his first year at Alabama an unforgettable experience.
“Thank you to everyone in Tuscaloosa for making this year an unforgettable experience for me. From my teammates to our coaches and staff, everyone made me feel at home,” Allen wrote in his post. “After meeting with my family and Coach Oats, I’m officially declaring for the NBA Draft while still maintaining my eligibility. Playing in the NBA has always been my dream, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Roll Tide.”
Allen will spend the next month going through the NBA pre-draft process, which includes potentially participating in both the NBA G League Combine and NBA Draft Combine over the first few weeks of May. He has until midnight on May 27 to withdraw and return to Alabama if he chooses to do so.
Strong Performance as a Freshman
The 6-foot-8, 205-pound wing made a significant impact during the 2025-26 season, earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His 6.9 rebounds per game ranked sixth in the SEC and led the Crimson Tide with a team-high five double-doubles during the season.
Allen was recruited as a Top-75 four-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle. He signed with Alabama after being ranked as the No. 2 player in Wisconsin, the No. 17 small forward in the class, and the No. 74 player overall, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.
A Growing Trend in Alabama’s Program
Allen is the second Alabama player to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft following sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr., who is projected as a potential lottery pick. Philon also tested the NBA Draft waters after his freshman season but ultimately decided to return to Tuscaloosa. That decision paid off as Philon led the Tide averaging 22 points and five assists per game in 2025-26.
Allen is facing a similar situation as Philon did a year ago, with most mock drafts currently projecting the 6-foot-8 wing as a fringe late first-round or early second-round pick.
Changes on the Horizon for Alabama’s Roster
Regardless of what Allen ultimately decides, Alabama’s front court will look different in 2026-27. The team has added several transfers, including former NC State wing Cole Cloer, former Mississippi State power forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming, and former Kentucky power forward Brandon Garrison.
The Tide has also lost sophomore center Aiden Sherrell to Indiana, while fellow forward Taylor Bol Bowen remains in the portal. These changes will shape the team’s roster and strategy moving forward, creating new opportunities and challenges for the program.
