Alabama freshman Amari Allen makes 2026 NBA draft plans known

Alabama freshman Amari Allen announced Sunday on Instagram that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft while maintaining his remaining college eligibility.

Allen was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, averaging 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and one steal while shooting 34.1% from 3-point range in 32 games. He was one of five players in the conference to haul in at least 10 rebounds in nine or more games.

The 6-foot-8 forward registered a team-high five doubles, including a 25-point, 11-rebound effort on Jan. 7 in a loss to Vanderbilt. He ranked seventh in the conference in defensive rebounds (169), the most by an Alabama freshman since Brandon Miller in the 2022-23 season (229).

Allen is considered a possible first-round pick this year because of his scoring, rebounding and shooting. He dazzled at times with his ability to generate paint touches for the Crimson Tide while working as a playmaker in the open court.

The 20-year-old opted to test the predraft process, meaning he'll have the opportunity to gain feedback from teams in interviews and workouts and weigh his options. Underclassmen who declare as early entrants have until May 27 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

Allen is a part of a highly touted draft class with the likes of Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson projected to be high selections. The group is considered one of the most talented in recent memory.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Alabama news: Freshman Amari Allen declares for 2026 NBA draft