Alabama’s Kira Lewis Jr., John Petty Jr. Announce NBA Draft Decisions

Kira Lewis Jr. and John Petty Jr. confirm they will enter NBA draft, but keep options open to return to Crimson Tide

Alabama Athletics

Alabama sophomore guard Kira Lewis Jr., and junior wing John Petty Jr., made it official Wednesday, announcing on social media that that they’re entering the 2020 NBA Draft, but keeping their options open to return to the Crimson Tide. 

Alabama coach Nate Oats told reporters on Tuesday that both were expected to enter the draft as the Crimson Tide is expected to have significant turnover for next season. 

Lewis quickly confirmed it on Titter. 

"I would like to thank the University of Alabama, my coaches, teammates, trainers and staff for their support throughout my basketball career. To the Alabama fans: Y'all are some fo the best fans in college basketball! I cannot thank you enough for being behind me. Most importantly, I want to thank my family for the sacrifices they made throughout the years. Without them, I would in no way be the person I am today.

"With that said, I have decided to enter the NBA draft process while keeping my eligibility." 

Petty posted his notice on Instagram.

"To my family: You are my everything," wrote Petty, who has a young daughter. "This was my journey for the longest time, but not it is our journey and everything I do is for you.

"I have decided to test the waters and enter my name in the 2020 NFL Draft while maintaining my eligibility."

Lewis started all 65 games during his two-year Alabama career, led the Crimson Tide in scoring (18.5 points for game), assists (5.2), steals (1.8), minutes (37.6) and field goals made (206) and attempted (449). 

He also led the conference in minutes, ranked third in assists and steals, and finished fourth in scoring average.

Nationally, Lewis finished 13 in minutes per game and was 44 in assists per game. He also ranked among the top transition players in all of college basketball, ending the year at 5.1 transition points per game which ranked fourth in the nation.

Against Auburn on Feb. 12, Lewis became only the second player in program history to record a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. He was twice named the SEC Player of the Week this past year and led the team with 28 games in double figures and 10 games of scoring 20 or more points.

Even after suffering a ligament sprain in his elbow at Mississippi State on Feb. 25, Petty was still named second-team All-SEC. He led the league in three-point shooting percentage (.440) was second in threes made per game (2.9).

 He's ninth and 28th in the nation, respectively.

Overall, Petty averaged 14.5 points and 6.6. rebounds per game.

Most mock drafts and big boards and have Lewis listed as a possible first-round selection, with Petty a second-round candidate. For example, ESPN's top 100 has Lewis at No. 25 (ninth among point guards) and Petty at No. 56 (ninth among shooting guards).