Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY
Alabama Forward Noah Clowney to Enter NBA Draft
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama freshman forward Noah Clowney has elected to enter his name in the 2023 NBA Draft after a promising first season in Tuscaloosa.
Clowney has become the fourth Alabama player to enter his name in the NBA Draft, joining projected top-5 pick Brandon Miller as well as Charles Bediako and Jahvon Quinerly, of which the latter two have maintained their college eligibility and can return to the Crimson Tide next season.
Clowney made his announcement via Instagram. In his post, he made no indication of maintaining his college eligibility
"Thank you, Bama Nation!" Clowney's post reads. "This season has been one of the most memorable years of my life. Ever since I could pick up a basketball, playing in the NBA has been a dream of mine and throughout my life I have had amazing coaches, teammates and staff that have shown me unconditional love and support throughout my basketball career.
"To my Alabama Family: Thank you to Coach Oats, all the coaches, trainers and basketball staff for preparing me every day to be great and challenging me to be the best version of myself. Bama Nation, thank you for being the best fans in college basketball. Your support throughout the season meant the world to my teammates and 1.
"Most importantly, I want to thank my family for the sacrifices they have made throughout the years and allowing me to live out my dream. Without them, I would not be the person I am today. With that being said, I have decided to declare for the NBA Draft. Roll Tide!"
As an underrated 4-star recruit ranked outside of the top-75 by the majority of recruiting service, Clowney exploded onto the scene in his first year of college basketball and averaged 9.8 points and 7.8 rebounds as the starting power forward for the SEC Champion Crimson Tide.
Clowney's efforts earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team, and he was named the SEC Freshman of the Week twice throughout the season.
He didn't start the season on draft boards, but the 6-foot-10 18-year-old flashed his potential time and time again over the course of his stellar freshman season. His best statistical outing came in a 22-point, 9-rebound outing against South Dakota State that saw him make five 3-pointers, and he followed it up with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double against then-No. 1 Houston in a game that garnered him national attention.
Clowney has tons of potential as a professional prospect with his length, versatility as a defender, and respectable 3-point shot. He has superb rebounding ability to go along with notable mobility and rim protection capabilities.
He looks to become Alabama's sixth NBA Draft pick under head coach Nate Oats, and second in 2023 after his freshman counterpart and surefire lottery pick Brandon Miller will in all likelihood be selected before him.
Clowney has been mocked as high as a late lottery pick, but is most likely to be selected in the latter half of the first round.
See also:
Alabama Guard Jahvon Quinerly Entering NBA Draft, Maintaining College Eligibility
Alabama Basketball Center Charles Bediako to Test NBA Draft Waters
