Amari Allen's return to Alabama basketball isn't out of the question
At the NBA Draft Combine, Alabama basketball's Amari Allen discussed what would make him withdraw from the draft.
One of the looming questions following Alabama basketball into the 2026-27 season is who might serve as the Crimson Tide 's point guard, and Amari Allen may have an answer. Given the playmaking ability he showed as a freshman, he could even be the solution. While participating in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Allen spoke with reporters Wednesday, May 13 about what his future holds.
For the versatile forward, a return to Tuscaloosa isn't out of the question. WHAT TO KNOW: Alabama basketball trainer salaries revealed after injury-filled season REQUIRED READING: Greg Sankey explains role in lawsuit of Alabama basketball's Charles Bediako Sports Illustrated's Kevin Sweeney wrote on X that Allen said he would "need a first-round promise to stay in this year's draft. " Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports reported Allen said, "If it was second round, I would go back to school.
I definitely feel I can go back to college and be a 20 and 10 guy. " In the latest CBS mock draft, Allen is projected to go 27th overall as a first-round pick for the Boston Celtics. The Athletic expects Allen to go 22nd to the Philadelphia 76ers via Houston.
ESPN currently lists Allen as pick No. 32 in its updating big board, which would make the Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin native a second-round pick. Allen said Alabama has told him he would "have the ball in his hands a lot" with additional reps as a point guard and ball-screen playmaker.