PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College junior forward Alpha Diallo (New York, N.Y.) announced today that he will submit an application to be an early entrant for the 2019 NBA Draft. Diallo will have the option of returning for his senior season if he withdraws his name from the NBA Draft by Wednesday, May 29. Under the new NCAA rules, a player can enter into an agreement with a NCAA certified agent and still maintain his eligibility.
"I am declaring for the NBA Draft," Diallo said. "I am excited to go through the workout process. I will be staying in school this spring and finishing my junior year. I believe this process will help me grow as a player. I enjoy being at Providence College and playing for the Friars. The Friars have a strong group of players returning next season and I believe the team could compete for the conference championship."
Diallo, a 6-7 forward, averaged 16.0 points and 8.1 rebounds this season. His 8.1 rebounds per game was second in the BIG EAST in overall action. He also ranked ninth in the league in scoring. Diallo was tied for first in the league in double-doubles with 10. For his efforts, Diallo was named Second Team All-BIG EAST on March 10. He also earned USBWA All-District 1 Team honors and NABC All-District 5 Second Team accolades. Diallo has recorded 1,155 career points in 99 games (11.7 ppg). He ranks 33rd all-time in scoring at Providence.
"We support Alpha and as he goes through this process," Providence College Head Coach Ed Cooley said. "This process will enable him to gain knowledge and experience about the potential for his future in professional basketball. Alpha has always had a goal of playing basketball at the highest level and this is one of the steps towards his goal."
The 2018-19 Friars finished the season with an 18-16 mark. PC made its 20th appearance in the NIT. The Friars also played in their seventh consecutive post-season tournament in 2019. It marked the first time the Friars reached the post season seven straight times since Dave Gavitt's Friars accomplished the feat from 1970-71 to 1977-78 (eight consecutive seasons).
-GO FRIARS-
