Alabama’s newest men’s basketball players, four freshmen and four incoming transfers, will arrive on campus this week for the summer. Summer school begin on Tuesday.
Here’s a refresher on Alabama’s upcoming transfer class, which ranks seventh nationally:
Clifford Omoruyi (Rutgers) is ranked No. 14 on the 247 Sports transfer portal, with four stars.
Eligibility remaining: one year.
Date committed: May 5
Coach Nate Oats stated, “Cliff has arguably been one of the best shot blockers in the country and in the Big Ten over the last 25 years.” He is a player who will anchor our defense and has a strong offensive skill set that we will be able to showcase. He is an extraordinary athlete with a wingspan of 7’6″ and will make an excellent addition to our team.
What Omoruyi said: “It was the best basketball decision.” I wanted to play fast-paced basketball in an NBA-style offense, and Alabama provided it for me, so that’s where I wanted to play. I saw them this season and enjoyed the way they played.” — Omoruyi to Jack Knowlton of Rivals.com.
G. Aden Holloway (Auburn) is ranked No. 42 on the 247 Sports transfer portal, with four stars.
Eligibility remaining: three years.
Date committed: April 20.
What Oats said: “Aden graduated from high school as a McDonald’s All-American and was one of the top shooting point guards in the country throughout his high school career. He can shoot from long range and make plays in the paint. Defensively, he can keep people in front of him. “He has a unique combination of skill, talent, and hard work.”
Holloway stated: “With Nate Oats and the Alabama team, it’s all basketball. If you’re available, shoot. We’re back to basketball and having fun. I just want to return to having fun and being myself. — to Brett Greenberg of Bama247
G Chris Youngblood (USF) is ranked No. 83 on the 247 Sports transfer portal, with four stars.
Eligibility remaining: one year.
Date committed: April 13
According to Oats, Chris is a proven winner who was named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and is a knock-down shooter as well as an incredible catch shooter. He is an excellent downhill driver, can make explosive plays around the rim, and is a hard worker.”
Youngblood stated, “Just talking about player development, program, and style of play, and I could see myself being in that style of play to help me get to the next level.” It was more that they could assist me advance to the next level, and you also had a Final Four squad. You’ve received the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage. I know what I would contribute to the team. When you put everything together, you’re probably looking at a national championship next year.” — Youngblood to Bama247’s Brett Greenberg.
G Houston Mallette (Pepperdine) is ranked No. 120 on the 247 Sports transfer portal with four stars.
Eligibility remaining: one year.
Date committed: March 19.
What Oats said: “Houston is a versatile guard with length who has exceptional playmaking abilities. He can guard positions one through four and is an excellent shooter. As a combo guard, he can make open shots, get his teammates involved, and make a variety of plays thanks to his basketball IQ. He, like all of our signees, has a strong team-first mentality and will be an excellent two-way player.”
Mallette stated, “I committed to Alabama because I enjoyed what everyone and the coaching staff said and talked about. Based on my playing style and theirs, I believe it will be a good fit. Coach Oats and the rest of the coaching staff have my full trust. Coach Preston Murphy is probably the coach I speak with the most on the staff, and I am very anxious to go there.” – Mallette to 247 Sports’ DuShawn London.
