Alabama Freshman Collin Sexton Declares for NBA Draft
Alabama fans knew it would be a short career for Collin Sexton but the talented freshman guard made it official on Friday morning.
The Alabama men's basketball team held a press conference to give the SEC Co-Freshman of the Year a chance to announce his decision to head to the NBA after one season in Tuscaloosa. After taking a minute to thank his family, teammates, and Tide fans, he kept it short and sweet as his teammates stood behind him on the stage.
"I officially declare for 2018 NBA Draft. Thank you and Roll Tide."
Before Sexton took the podium, his head coach had a few words to say.
“It’s been a great journey,” Avery Johnson said. “This is the next phase of his life. A phase that I have been a part of for quite a long time, but we are excited for the family. We’re also excited about the Alabama men’s basketball program and us being able to develop players that can play at the next level.”
The 2017-18 season was an up-and-down one for Alabama but the end result was exactly what fans hoped for. The Tide earned a 9-seed in the NCAA Tournament and defeated Virginia Tech in the first round before losing to eventual-champion Villanova in the round of 32.
Avery Johnson will bring back the rest of his squad for next season and brings in a solid recruiting class to go along with it. While the SEC looks to be as strong as ever in 2018-19, Alabama will still look to return to the NCAA Tournament with its nucleus back.
You can watch the full press conference here.