Alabama standout Amari Allen announced his decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to the Crimson Tide on Wednesday. Head coach Nate Oats welcomed this decision, expressing his excitement with a three-word message on X to fire up fans after the official announcement.
“Welcome back, Amari!” he wrote.
Allen had previously stated that he would only remain in the draft if he was guaranteed to be a first-round pick. As the withdrawal deadline approached Wednesday night, it became increasingly clear that it was unlikely to happen.
So instead, Alabama gets back the SEC’s star player.
The former freshman standout averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in the last season, as the team managed to reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. He also earned multiple SEC Freshman of the Week honors and established himself as one of Nate Oats’ most important players.
Amari Allen Expected To Take Over Bigger Role
Reports from the NBA Combine suggested Crimson Tide coaches promised Allen that if he decided to come back, he would play a central role in the team’s offense during the 2026-27 season.
“That’s a key factor,” Allen said during the combine process. “Being able to be the head of the snake, run offense for a top team in the country … it’s definitely something I have to consider.”
Allen’s return also comes at a critical moment for Alabama’s roster construction. The Crimson Tide added several transfer portal additions this offseason, including Brandon Garrison from Kentucky, Drew Fielder from Boise State, and Jamarion Davis-Fleming from Mississippi State.
Meanwhile, uncertainty still surrounds guard Aden Holloway due to his ongoing legal situation. If Holloway is available next season, Alabama could easily be one of the most dangerous offenses in college basketball.
Several analysts already viewed the Crimson Tide as a potential Top 15 team entering next season, but Allen’s return has raised that ceiling even further. Oats has consistently developed players into NBA talent, and many around the program believe Allen could make the same type of sophomore leap Philon made after returning to school last year.
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