Amari Allen Announces Decision Regarding Basketball Future
Alabama forward Amari Allen is declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility, per his Instagram.
Allen has until May 27 to withdraw and return to the Crimson Tide for the 2026-27 season.
Oats said before this season that the freshman "stood out as a surprise" due to his ranking from recruiting outlets. He was deemed an underrated prospect with something to prove.
Allen went on to start in 24 of his 32 games played this season, as he averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Week three times, which led to him being named one of five players on the All-SEC Freshman Team.
Allen was consistently featured in the first round of mocks for the 2026 NBA Draft throughout the season. Oats was adamant that NBA teams would want him because of he's "all about winning," and Nick Saban was also impressed by him when he attended a game.
However, he hit a bit of a slump in March, as his numbers in every stat category took a dip. This includes the season-ending loss to Michigan in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, which he blamed himself for. Moments after the game ended, Allen was asked about his future plans in the locker room.
"I'll definitely be back here next year," Allen said. "Unless my agent says the NBA is the best option. But if that's not the case, I'll be here."
Allen went on to preview what those conversations might look like with his agent and family.
"Well obviously, this is the place that I want to be [at]," Allen said. "I wouldn't go anywhere else. I don't really have much conversations with that. My mom, my dad and my agent, we all know that I want to be here. I'll let them take care of all of the other stuff. If the NBA is the best option, they decide that. I'm just trying to focus on getting better every day."
The transfer portal opened on April 7, the day after the National Championship, and will close on April 21. BamaCentral is keeping track of the Crimson Tide's outgoing and incoming players and coaches right here ahead of next season.
For those eyeing the next level, the NCAA's early entry withdrawal deadline for the 2026 NBA Draft is May 27 at 10:59 p.m. CT.
Players Who Could Return, Transfer or Enter NBA Draft
G Aden Holloway (would be a senior)
G Davion Hannah (would be a sophomore *pending redshirt*)
G Preston Murphy Jr. (would be a senior)
F London Jemison (would be a sophomore)
F Keitenn Bristow (would be a junior *pending redshirt*)
C Collins Onyejiaka (would be a sophomore *pending redshirt*)
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/alabama as Amari Allen Announces Decision Regarding Basketball Future.
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 5:34 PM.