Nate Oats and Alabama get a boost, as John Petty is heading back to school for his senior season
With the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament this Spring, the top performers from this year’s college season have had a lot of time to sit on this biggest decision of their basketball lives. Especially for players of John Petty’s caliber — talents on the late first-round, early second-round bubble — making the NBA Draft decision isn’t as simple as it may seem. In Tuscaloosa, Petty is a big man on campus, one of the leaders of the Crimson Tide college basketball team and one of the best three-point shooters in the SEC. Yet, in a wide open NBA Draft field, Petty had very limited opportunities to ensure himself of a first-round selection.
The NBA Draft Combine won’t take place until late August, and it could all be virtual. In these uncertain times, Petty felt he was better served to head back to Alabama, and develop certain facets of his game that are otherwise lacking. This time next year, he could very well be an undisputed first-round talent.
John Petty’s been in constant contact with the Crimson Tide basketball program
“We talk a lot,” Petty said in an interview with WAFF TV. “I’ve basically just been trying to stay in fine tune with the team, making sure I’m still one of the leaders on the team, making sure I’m still connected with everybody because you never know. I might have to come back to school, and I might have to play with them next year. So, I’m acting as if I’m coming back next year.”
Petty’s backup plan is now his reality, and as his head coach Oats pointed out back in May, another year of development could do wonders for his NBA Draft prospects.
“If he makes the same improvements from his junior year to senior year, I think he plays his way into the first round, for sure. We would be glad to get him back, but I really want what’s best for him. … He played great in our system,” Oats told 247sports.
Alabama went 16-15 on the season, and 8-10 in the SEC. That includes a win over then-No. 4 Auburn. With Kira Lewis, the Tide’s leading scorer, remaining the Draft pool, Petty has every opportunity to take the next step into college basketball stardom.