Key averaged 12.0 points a game as a freshman in Tuscaloosa.
Key will nearly assuredly earn more National Basketball Association money by improving his draft position following a sophomore season at Alabama.
Key will not hire an agent, however, therefore maintaining his amateurism and will have until May 24 to decide whether to remain in the NBA Draft or return to the Crimson Tide for the 2017-18 season.
Key released a statement later Monday afternoon about his decision.
Russell Westbrook's record 42nd triple-double knocks Nuggets from playoff race
With the crowd again on its feet anticipating history, Westbrook passed to Domatas Sabonis, whose jumper rimmed out at 7:16. The Hall of Famer said Westbrook's triple-double numbers show his overall impact on the game beyond his team's record.
Key became the first Crimson Tide men's basketball student-athlete to earn a spot on the league All-Freshman team since the 2013-14 season.
"It's no surprise to me", Johnson said.
When Avery Johnson took over as Alabama men's basketball coach prior to the 2015-16 season, he said he would be trying to recruit the one-and-done type players, young men who were capable to making a quick entry to the NBA. His numbers climbed in Southeastern Conference games, where he averaged 14.0 points and 6.1 rebounds. He scored a season-high 26 points during an 80-60 win at Georgia on January 25.
"I wish him nothing but the best, but it'd be nice if he comes back for next year and play with me again", redshirt freshman guard Dazon Ingram said. If he elects to stay with Alabama next season, he will be joined by this year's No. 4 recruiting class in the nation, which features No. 7 overall recruit Collin Sexton and No. 25 overall recruit John Petty.
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