Draft prospects announce next steps: Allen enters draft, Ngongba returns, Samodurov declares, Suigo and Dawes test waters
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April — Alabama forward Amari Allen will enter the 2026 NBA draft while retaining his college eligibility, the freshman revealed on Instagram.
Allen, 6’8”, sits No. 29 on ESPN’s big board and was projected at No. 18 in Bleacher Report’s post-tournament mock draft. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists across 32 games (24 starts). Allen shot 37.7% from deep during the regular season but went 1-for-16 in SEC and NCAA tournament play.
Other draft-related moves
Patrick Ngongba, Duke: The sophomore center will return for his junior year, the school announced. Ngongba posted 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 21.9 minutes per game after moving into the starting lineup. Scouts had questioned whether he was ready for NBA physicality.
Alex Samodurov, Panathinaikos: Agent Alex Saratsis told DraftExpress that the 21-year-old power forward has entered the draft. Samodurov, who logged 6.2 minutes per contest in 13 EuroLeague games this season, is also weighing a move to a U.S. college program.
Luigi Suigo, KK Mega Basket: Ranked No. 41 by ESPN, the Italian center is deciding between the draft and college basketball. Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, St. John’s, Duke and BYU have shown interest. He will keep his options open while testing the draft process.
Keanu Dawes, Kansas (transfer from Utah): The junior forward has declared for the draft but could return for a senior season. Dawes started 32 games for Utah last year, averaging 12.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30.8 minutes.
Source: HoopsRumors
