It seems as though even a Final Four appearance wasn’t enough to protect Alabama Basketball from the impacts of the transfer portal. Just 10 days after the end of its season, Bama has already lost four players to the attraction of the portal.
Among the early departures were a significant player in sophomore wing Rylan Griffen, who started 33 games this past season. He averaged over 11 points a game for the Tide, shooting over 39 percent from the three-point line. He figured to be one of the top returnees moving into 2024-25, but is expected to depart the program.
Alabama has also lost two promising developing pieces in freshmen Sam Walters and Davin Cosby. Both guys proved to be strong shooters off the bench, combining for nine double-figure games. Though he struggled on the defensive end of the floor and other elements of the game as he adjusted to the athleticism of the SEC, Walters in particular was a crucial floor-stretcher, hitting over 39 percent from downtown. Bama also lost freshman Kris Parker, who redshirted this past year.
Nate Oats still awaits significant decisions from Mark Sears and Latrell Wrightsell Jr., as well as other frontcourt contributors. Coach Oats has also gotten off to a tremendous start in rebuilding this roster, despite of the outstanding selections.
The Tide will welcome a trio of blue-chip freshmen in wings Derrion Reid and Naas Cunningham, as well as a dynamic big in Aiden Sherrell. Oats has also brought in two transfers that appear to be great program fits in Houston Mallette (formerly of Pepperdine) and Chris Youngblood (South Florida). Both are exceptional shooters with lots basketball experience that will ensure that Bama isn’t missing any offense on the wing.
Oats has demonstrated time and again that he is an excellent roster builder. With the possible returnees, plus the new arrivals as well as any future changes that Bama will make in the portal, I have no doubt that Coach Oats will put together a squad that will once again fight for the SEC crown.
The unfortunate truth, however, is that the team will be largely unfamiliar once again. College sports, and college basketball in particular, have become year-to-year in nature. Fortunately, Bama has one of the best coaches in the game at navigating this situation.
