Johnson Looks at NBA

Editor: The following is part of a press release from missouristatebears.com.

SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State forward Alize Johnson announced late 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.

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.

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.