Alabama guard Josh Primo tells ESPN’s Jay Bilas that NBA has “always been a dream” as decision nears

Alabama freshman guard Josh Primo did not make an official announcement about his status for the NBA Draft on Friday but in an interview with ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, he made a one-and-done Crimson Tide career sound more and more likely. 

“It’s been a dream of mine for the longest time,” Primo said, since I can remember being a kid. Being a fan of the game , running up and down. dunking on my little Tyke net as a 2-year old. I’ve always loved the game. Being able to be in this position right now, while im young, I really want to be able to learn at this level, learn to be in a winning franchise, be a part of a winning team and be at that highest level. That’s always been a dream.”

Primo played in 30 games with 19 starts as a freshman last season. He is also one of the youngest players at the combine and intrigues some of the stronger teams at the end of the first round who aren’t looking for an immediate starter. He had a solid first scrimmage at the Combine on Thursday and chose to sit out on Friday, perhaps due to confidence in his position.

A first-round selection would make Primo a second consecutive first-rounder to play for Nate Oats, a valuable selling point in recruiting other top prospects. On the other hand, the Crimson Tide’s 2021-22 roster would clearly be stronger if Primo returns for his sophomore season.

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Primo and Crimson Tide sophomore guard Jalen Shackelford both have until July 7 to declare if they are officially remaining in the draft. 

Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil@tidesports.com or via Twitter @cecilhurt