Jarin Stevenson, a forward from Alabama, has formally declared for the NBA Draft and will consult with executives and scouts to get their opinions. If Stevenson wants to go back to school, he has until May 29th to opt out of the draft.

Jarin Stevenson joined Alabama Basketball for the 2023–24 season after reclassifying from the class of 2024 to the class of 2023, and he had a great rookie campaign. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game while playing in all 37 of the Tide’s games. He started five of those games.

Six times this season, Stevenson scored in double figures. His best performance came against Clemson in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite 8 regional final round. Jarin Stevenson scored 19 points and recorded a career-high five three-pointers against the Tigers. He also added two defensive blocks.

After showcasing a lot of promise, the 6’11” rookie will now find out what professional scouts think of his game. This is a wise decision for Stevenson, who has nothing to lose by testing the waters to get invaluable feedback and advice. His game is a perfect fit for the modern NBA, and he is the type of player that a team might take a chance on due to his upside.

If he returns to Alabama as many expect, he will have plenty of room to grow. In theory, Stevenson’s role would be expanded on the 2024–25 team, and he would have the opportunity to post more impressive numbers. He would gain from increasing his efficiency (41.8 percent from the field, 31.7 percent from three-point range) in addition to becoming a little stronger.

It would be devastating if Jarin Stevenson gets good feedback and decides to remain in the draft. It would not be a defeat, though, that Alabama basketball could not overcome.

The return of fellow stretch four Grant Nelson and the Tide’s intense activity on the portal in search of a true center mean that Alabama’s starting frontcourt will probably already be set before Stevenson makes his choice.

Though fellow sophomore Mo Dioubate and three gifted freshmen—Aiden Sherrell, Derrion Reid, and Naas Cunningham—will provide exceptional depth and versatility in the frontcourt, Stevenson is expected to be the first big off the bench.

Whatever Stevenson’s ultimate decision may be, Bama Hoops’ stature is only enhanced by his decision to enter the draft as a one-and-done reclassified freshman. Under Coach Nate Oats, the Tide has occasionally recruited and performed like a blueblood basketball school, which is to be expected.