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Since Alabama basketball's season ended in the Sweet 16, Amari Allen has been weighing whether he will depart for the next level or rejoin the Crimson Tide.
The standout rookie forward waited until Wednesday, May 27 — the final day to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft — to make his decision.
At around 5 p.m., Allen shared on social media he intends to return to Tuscaloosa.
Allen averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game as a freshman. He earned his first start in the SEC/ACC Challenge against Clemson last season, propelling Alabama to victory with 20 points and 11 boards. From there, Allen was a regular in the starting five.
Late in the season, Allen's production lessened, and his NBA Combine performance was overshadowed by the discrepancy in height between what was listed on Alabama's roster and how he measured out in Chicago. UA athletics billed Allen at 6-foot-8, but at the combine, he was revealed to stand at 6-5 1/4 inches.
While competing at the combine, Allen said only a "first-round promise" would keep him from returning to the Crimson Tide.
The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat all showed interest in hosting Allen for predraft workouts. Allen shared an Instagram story of himself at an OKC game on Monday, May 18 and another the following week in Miami.
REQUIRED READING: Top five 2027 guard recaps unofficial visit with Alabama basketball
Allen expressed during the combine that the Alabama coaching staff has indicated he will have more responsibilities handling the ball and being a creator should he return. He was third on the roster in assists behind Aden Holloway (3.8) and Labaron Philon (5.0).
Although Holloway's future with the team remains unknown as he navigates a trial for his drug arrest in March, with Allen back in the mix, the Crimson Tide will have at least three program veterans for the 2026-27 season, including forwards London Jemison and Keitenn Bristow.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Amari Allen returned to Alabama basketball over 2026 NBA Draft
Continue reading...
The standout rookie forward waited until Wednesday, May 27 — the final day to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft — to make his decision.
At around 5 p.m., Allen shared on social media he intends to return to Tuscaloosa.
Allen averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game as a freshman. He earned his first start in the SEC/ACC Challenge against Clemson last season, propelling Alabama to victory with 20 points and 11 boards. From there, Allen was a regular in the starting five.
Late in the season, Allen's production lessened, and his NBA Combine performance was overshadowed by the discrepancy in height between what was listed on Alabama's roster and how he measured out in Chicago. UA athletics billed Allen at 6-foot-8, but at the combine, he was revealed to stand at 6-5 1/4 inches.
While competing at the combine, Allen said only a "first-round promise" would keep him from returning to the Crimson Tide.
The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat all showed interest in hosting Allen for predraft workouts. Allen shared an Instagram story of himself at an OKC game on Monday, May 18 and another the following week in Miami.
REQUIRED READING: Top five 2027 guard recaps unofficial visit with Alabama basketball
What does Amari Allen's future with Crimson Tide look like?
Allen expressed during the combine that the Alabama coaching staff has indicated he will have more responsibilities handling the ball and being a creator should he return. He was third on the roster in assists behind Aden Holloway (3.8) and Labaron Philon (5.0).
How many Alabama basketball players return for 2026-27 season?
Although Holloway's future with the team remains unknown as he navigates a trial for his drug arrest in March, with Allen back in the mix, the Crimson Tide will have at least three program veterans for the 2026-27 season, including forwards London Jemison and Keitenn Bristow.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Amari Allen returned to Alabama basketball over 2026 NBA Draft
Continue reading...
