Jarrett Allen Will Declare for 2017 NBA Draft, Won't Hire an Agent

Texas forward Jarrett Allen announced Tuesday that he will enter his name into the 2017 NBA draft process but will not hire an agent. ESPN's Jeff Borzello initially reported the news.  

"I want everyone to know that I'm testing the waters with this decision, but I will not be signing with an agent," Allen said. "Going through this process will allow my family and I to make the best decision possible for my future." 

Without an agent, Allen will have the option of returning for his sophomore season.

Considered a potential late-lottery pick, Allen averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds as a freshman. The 6'11" athlete also added 1.5 blocks per game and was clearly the most talented player on a Longhorns team that struggled its way to an 11-22 record.

Chad Ford of ESPN currently has Allen as the No. 16 overall player in the 2017 class.

Foregoing hiring an agent allows Allen to potentially return to Austin, provided he withdraws his name within 10 days after the draft combine. The NBA and NCAA worked together last year to push back the deadline to allow players maximum possible flexibility. A player can enter his name as many times as he desires as an underclassman as long as he does not have an agent but forfeits his eligibility if he hires representation.

Talented but inconsistent last season, Allen is diving headfirst into perhaps the deepest class in recent draft history. Every player in Ford's top 20 is 20 years old or younger, with 19 of those players still being teenagers. It's possible that less than five upperclassmen are drafted in the first round at all, depending on who declares.

That will make the workout process critical for Allen, who could work his way into late-lottery consideration or slide to the late first round depending on his performance. The depth of this class is likely a deciding factor in him holding off on hiring an agent at this time; he should have a much better feel of his status by mid-May.