SEC News: Alabama lands transfer, NBA Draft announcements

SEC fans, here are a few recent headlines that you need to know across the conference in recent days, featuring a key transfer addition for Alabama basketball, an NBA Draft decision from two of the SEC’s top prospects, and more.

Alabama lands Wichita State transfer F Jaykwon Walton

A player who originally began his collegiate career at Georgia, Jaykwon Walton has announced that he will be transferring from Wichita State to Alabama. Walton started in 27-of-28 games for the Shockers this past season, averaging 13.9 PPG and 5.3 RPG, while also shooting 40% from three.

Arkansas G Nick Smith Jr. declares for 2023 NBA Draft

A projected lottery pick, Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr. has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. Smith started in 14-of-17 games for the Razorbacks this past season, averaging 12.5 PPG.

Alabama G Nimari Burnett transfers to Michigan

After two seasons in Tuscaloosa, Alabama guard Nimari Burnett announced Thursday that he will be transferring to Michigan. Burnett started in 9-of-27 games this past season for the Crimson Tide, averaging 5.6 PPG and 2 RPG, while also shooting 78% from the free throw line.

4-star QB Jake Merklinger commits to Tennessee

Tennessee added the highest-ranked recruit of their 2024 class Thursday afternoon with Jake Merklinger committing to the Volunteers. Merklinger is a highly-rated four-star quarterback in the 2024 class out of Calvary Day School in Georgia.

Alabama F Brandon Miller declares for 2023 NBA Draft

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Alabama forward Brandon Miller has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. Miller, the 2022-23 SEC Player and Freshman of the Year among other honors, averaged 18.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.1 APG for the Crimson Tide this season, while also shooting 38.4% from three-point range and 85.9% from the free throw line.

Arkansas F Trevon Brazile to return for 2023-24 season

After missing a majority of the 2022-23 season due to injury, Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile announced Thursday that he will be returning for the 2023-24 campaign. Brazile appeared in nine games off the Razorbacks bench this past season, averaging 11.8 PPG and 6 RPG, while also shooting 37.9% from three-point range.