TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama’s leading scorer guard Jaden Shackelford is testing the NBA draft waters.
Shackelford announced on social media Thursday night that he is entering the draft but wouldn’t hire an agent, leaving the door open for a return to the university. The sophomore averaged a team-best 14 points during the Crimson Tide’s run to the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament championships.
Shackelford said, "The NBA has been my dream since I was a little kid playing in the driveway. Now I have the opportunity to make it a reality. I will be entering the 2021 NBA Draft without an agent to receive as much valuable feedback as I can regarding my future. Roll Tide!"
Shackelford made 34% of his 3-point attempts. Alabama made it to the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament and must replace stars including departing seniors Herbert Jones and John Petty, Jr.
Herbert Jones was named SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year by the league's coaches. John Petty Jr. announced that he would withdraw his name from the NBA draft on August 3, 2020 and return to the Crimson Tide for the 2020-21 basketball season.
