SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State forward Alize Johnson announced Friday he will declare for the NBA Draft, however he will maintain his college eligibility by not hiring an agent.
“I have every intention of returning to Missouri State for my senior year,” Johnson said. “This process will allow me to gain some valuable information which will help me improve as a basketball player.”
Although Johnson is not projected to be drafted in June, there are benefits to declaring for the draft with no risk to the player’s college eligibility. He can work out with pro squads through the end of April and attend the NBA Draft Combine in May. The NBA’s new draft rules, which began in 2016, allow for a player to test the draft waters by getting evaluated. The process can help a player’s long-term professional viability, particular for players like Johnson who intend to return to school.
MSU head coach Paul Lusk noted today’s decision by Johnson can certainly be a positive for the program.
“Headed into his senior year, this should give Alize some feedback from NBA personnel, which we have been gathering since the end of the season,” Lusk explained. “He’s definitely on their radar, and they are very interested in coming to see him and how he progresses next year. From our program’s perspective, it’s a positive thing when NBA personnel have an interest in one of our players.”
This season, Johnson earned MVC Newcomer of the Year, All-MVC first-team and NABC All-District honors while also being named to the MVC All-Tournament Team. He was a two-time Valley Player of the Week and six-time Valley Newcomer of the Week in 2016-17.
After transferring to Missouri State from Frank Phillips (Texas) College, the native of Williamsport, Pa., led the conference in rebounding at 10.6 per game, which ranked 11th nationally. He also led MSU in scoring at 14.8 points per game while producing 17 double-doubles -– the 15th-most in the nation — and 21 double-figure rebounding games. He also finished with the second-highest season rebounding total of Missouri State’s Division I era (351) while converting 48.8 percent of his field goals and 39 percent of his 3-point attempts.
April 23 is the deadline to declare for the draft as an early entrant. Players who do not sign with an agent are allowed to return to school if they pull out of the draft pool by June 12. The NBA Draft is June 22.
