In an expected move, Alabama senior men’s basketball forward Herb Jones announced Thursday he will enter the 2021 NBA draft.
“First off, I give all the glory to God,” Jones wrote on Instagram. “Without Him, none of this is possible. Thank you Bama Nation. Over the last four years I have given you everything I had -- blood, sweat and tears. Believe me when I tell you that I felt the love through the good times and the tough times. And I will be forever grateful for your support.
“A special thank you to my coaches and teammates for inspiring, motivating and pushing me to become the best player I could. I appreciate and love you all. My family knows that ever since I was a little boy my dream has always been to play in the NBA. I am excited to pursue that goal in the 2021 NBA Draft and cannot wait to start the next chapter of my career. Roll Tide!”
Jones is ranked by ESPN as the No. 56 available player in the July 29 draft and is a likely second-round pick.
Last year, Jones entered the 2020 NBA draft pool but later withdrew his name and returned for his senior season at Alabama.
Jones and Alabama’s other seniors this past season -- guard John Petty, and forwards Alex Reese and Jordan Bruner -- have the option of returning next season for an extra year of eligibility granted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Petty has not specifically stated he will enter the draft, he posted a farewell message to Alabama this week on Instagram. Petty is No. 80 in ESPN’s best available players for the 60-pick draft.
Jones, from Hale County, was named the SEC’s player of the year by the league’s coaches and the Associated Press. He also was a semifinalist for the Naismith national player of the year award, and finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Associated Press and Sporting News named him a third-team All-American.
Jones set career highs in averaging 11.2 points per game and 6.6 rebounds this past season.
Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.
The Link LonkApril 09, 2021 at 05:47AM
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Alabama forward Herb Jones entering 2021 NBA draft - AL.com
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