TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A pair of Alabama men's basketball players have been invited to participate in the 2018 Nike Basketball Skills Academy that will take place Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 8-12, in Los Angeles, Calif. Sophomores John Petty and Herbert Jones are among 25 high-profile college student-athletes who received an invitation to attend the prestigious skills development camp.

Both Petty and Jones will have a chance to learn from and train with current and former NBA players which will include a combine experience, off-court workouts, drills, film sessions and 5-on-5 competition.

"This is an incredible opportunity for both of us," Petty said. "We are excited to represent The University of Alabama and our basketball program in Los Angeles, and we're looking forward to learning a lot."

"I am very excited to be invited and participate in the Nike Skills Academy," Jones said. "This is a great opportunity for both of us. I expect to learn a lot, and we just want to take advantage of this opportunity and have fun."

The Crimson Tide duo is among approximately 60 of the nation's elite collegiate and high school players who were selected by invitation only to participate in the academy, which began in 2015 and was attended by former Alabama standout Collin Sexton a year ago. Sexton went on to have a sensational rookie season at Alabama on his way to being selected No. 8 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers this past June.

Last season, Petty played in all 36 contests, making 29 starts, and averaged 10.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. He set a freshman school record by going 90-of-242 (.372) from three-point range, while averaging 2.5 treys per game, which ranked fifth in the Southeastern Conference. A two-time SEC Freshman of the Week, Petty knocked down a school record 10 threes on his way to scoring 30 points against Alabama A&M.

Meanwhile, Jones quickly became known as one of the top defensive players in the conference and was chosen by the UA coaching staff as the team's most outstanding defensive player. He recorded a school-record 23 charges taken in 2017-18, while also leading the Tide with 44 steals. He finished the season averaging 4.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, which ranked seventh in the SEC, across 35 contests.

Deposits for 2018-19 men's basketball season tickets are currently being accepted by The University of Alabama TIDE PRIDE/Ticket Office. Fans can click HERE for more information or to make their deposit today.



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