When Alabama forward Amari Allen declared for the NBA Draft, it created a gigantic hole in Nate Oats' plans for the 2026 season. But with the door wide open to return, could it be beneficial for both parties?
One of the NBA Draft’s most fascinating prospects is Alabama freshman Amari Allen, who declared for the Draft last month.
But what makes him so appealing to teams is not just his athletic 6-foot-8, 205 pound frame, but his overall skillset.
Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats sung his praises like an opera singer, and mentioned that Allen has the potential to be an elite defender.
He was hardly the first option on this season’s Alabama roster. He wasn’t even the third option.
Allen had spent most of his freshman season in a supporting role to the leading scorers in Aden Holloway and lottery-hopeful LaBaron Philon.
What made him so special though was his intangibles. He used his athleticism to his advantage, whether it be on the defensive end, averaging a steal per game, or ranking second on the team in offensive rebounds by averaging 1.7 per game.
During the NBA Combine, Allen had subpar measurements though, with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, and a standing reach of 8-foot-3.
Measurements like that may hurt Allen’s draft stock, which could be beneficial for both the player and the Crimson Tide.
Allen has even said that he’s not married to the idea of staying in the draft. He has until May 27th to pull his name from it and can return to college.
"Obviously first round," he 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 [pointers per game] and 10 [rebounds per game] guy. Ultimately, though, I want to go to the NBA."
That’s always the goal, to play at the highest level. But Allen is not a finished product.
On a team that emphasized 3-point shooting, Allen struggled to maintain consistency, shooting at a middling 34.1%, only three points better than Alabama’s starting center Aiden Sherrell.
Additionally, beyond the 3-point line, Allen had struggled from the field as a whole, shooting 44.6%.
So it would be beneficial for Allen if he returned to school. He told reporters at the Combine that Oats envisions his sophomore season with the ball in his hands more often and acting as a point guard.
And with that standing reach? Perhaps acting as a point guard isn’t the worst thing in the world.
So while Allen may have eyes on the pros, the big question will be, does he just want the title of a “professional?” Or does he want to sustain a career in the league by enhancing his skillset for another season in college?
Looking at his teammate Philon, who withdrew his name from the Draft last season to boost his stock, another season in Tuscaloosa could do wonders for his future.
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