News Summary
As Alabama basketball fans anticipate the offseason, the NCAA transfer portal opens with excitement over potential player movements and roster changes. With recent transfers and incoming commitments, Alabama is working to strengthen its roster. Key decisions from current players and recruitment targets are critical for the upcoming season, as the Crimson Tide navigates this lively landscape.
Alabama Basketball Offseason Update: What’s Buzzing in the Transfer Portal
As the basketball season comes to a close, it’s that time of year in Alabama when fans turn their attention to the offseason buzz. With the NCAA transfer portal officially opening on March 24 and remaining open until April 22, it’s a lively time for our Crimson Tide basketball team. Coaches and fans alike are brimming with excitement and curiosity about who will stay, who will go, and who might be joining the squad.
Who’s on the Move?
Last season saw six players jump into the transfer portal, and coincidentally, the trend of players seeking new opportunities continues to be strong. Over the previous two seasons, we saw five players enter the portal each time. Transfers seem to have become part of the game, and Alabama’s players are clearly looking to explore their options, with the same theme expected this year.
Adding to the drama, players with remaining eligibility are also contemplating big decisions about the NBA draft. The deadline to announce entry into the draft is coming up on April 26, and potential draftees are weighing their options carefully.
Big Changes in the NCAA
A significant change on the horizon is related to the NCAA’s class-action settlement, which is likely to be completed in the coming month. Under this agreement, schools will be able to distribute around $20 million in department revenue to players. While most of this will go to football players, it opens doors for basketball players too. One exciting outcome is that it eliminates the previous 13-scholarship cap for men’s basketball. Instead, schools can now bring in a maximum of 15 players regardless of their scholarship status.
Reactions to Recent Transfers
Reflecting on the players who’ve moved on, former Alabama player Jarin Stevenson has found his new home at North Carolina after making the leap from the transfer portal. Over two seasons with Alabama, he averaged 5.3 points and 3 rebounds per game, starting 27 of 74 games. At the same time, another former player, Mouhamed Dioubate, has transferred to Kentucky, continuing the trend of Alabama players seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
What’s Next for Alabama?
As the roster shakes up, Alabama is eagerly awaiting decisions from current players, including Derrion Reid and Naas Cunningham. Reid is also stepping into the transfer portal, finishing his freshman season with an average of six points and 2.8 rebounds per game over 24 games. This creates a bit of a scramble for Alabama as they look to fill approximately three roster spots that have become available after the departures.
In a more uplifting twist, Alabama has successfully secured commitments from several incoming transfers: Noah Williamson from Bucknell, Taylor Bol Bowen from Florida State, and Jalil Bethea from Miami. With these exciting additions, Alabama is looking to strengthen its roster as they retool for the coming season.
A Focus on Future Roster Building
The focus now is primarily on enhancing the guard and forward positions. With Mark Sears and Chris Youngblood leaving due to exhausted eligibility, there’s a clear need for additional guard strength on the team. Prospective recruitment targets include Murphy from Mississippi State, who averaged 11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds last season, and Grant Nelson, who has been released from North Dakota State University. Both players could bring valuable experience to the Alabama roster.
Tide Fans, Stay Tuned!
As the days pass and decisions are made, Alabama basketball fans will surely want to keep their eyes peeled for updates. With several players retained, such as Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., and Houston Mallette, the enthusiasm for the coming season is palpable. With new players joining the mix and decisions still looming, it looks like a thrilling offseason is ahead!
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Alabama Basketball Offseason Update
- Roll Tide Wire: Jarin Stevenson Transfers to UNC
- Tuscaloosa News: Derrion Reid in Transfer Portal
- Rivals: Labaron Phylon Declares for NBA Draft
- The Crimson White: Basketball Transfer Portal Update
- Wikipedia: NCAA Men’s Basketball Transfer Portal
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
