Last season was an incredible year for Alabama Basketball, but they lost some important pieces. Nevertheless, Nate Oats pivoted and found players that make Alabama a team to consider in the Top 25 National Rankings. Alabama lost some of their best players, but their new additions have a chance to make an immediate impact in Tuscaloosa this season.
Alabama Basketball Looks Solid Despite Departures
Acquiring Front Court Depth
Grant Nelson
Oats may have lost some key members, but he put in work this offseason in the transfer portal. His priority was adding big depth to supplement the losses from last season. He landed Grant Nelson from North Dakota State. Nelson is one of the most versatile forwards in the country. At 6-foot-11, he possesses the size to handle some of the bigger SEC bigs, but he has skill and mobility that make him a matchup nightmare for opponents. His handle, post-game, and finishing ability make him a great get for the Crimson Tide for the upcoming season. The SEC looks to be one of the best conferences in the country this year, so Nelson helps Alabama try to remain at the top of the standings.
Jarin Stevenson
Another excellent pickup in the front court for Oats was 5-star forward Jarin Stevenson. Rated as the no. 1 power forward in the 2024 High School Class, Stevenson has a chance to play right away thanks to his versatility. Stevenson attacks well in transition going downhill due to his athleticism and speed. Also, he has a good touch for three-point range. Alabama can spread the floor with him on the court. Stevenson is a big fan of how Oats uses analytics to make his decisions, feeling that he will see growth under Oats because of his system. He is also 6-foot-10, allowing for successful rebounding and rim protection.
Mohamed Wague
Their final front court addition was Mohamed Wague from West Virginia. Wague is 6-foot-10 and very good on the defensive end, which he showed in limited minutes for the Mountaineers. He is best at protecting the paint, a skill needed for Alabama next season. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Wague will bring efficiency around the basket and an ability to defend it just as well. He will help against good SEC and Non-Conference opponents Alabama plays this season. Alabama brings in two 4-star forwards in Wague and Nelson.
Oats Acquires Guard Depth
Aaron Estrada
The former Hofstra Guard, Aaron Estrada is a great guard addition for the Crimson Tide. Estrada showed a lot of offensive firepower a year ago. The guard averaged 20.2 points on 36.8% from three-point range. Alabama loves to shoot threes and score the ball, and Estrada is a perfect mold for that offense. An explosive scorer, Estrada scored 4o points in a game against Elon last year. Therefore, the Crimson Tide gets an elite scorer at the combo guard spot. He also facilitates the ball well, so he can play point guard next season for Alabama.
Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
The former Cal State Fullerton star, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is another explosive guard acquired by Oats. Wrightsell Jr. is an excellent scorer and shooter. He averaged 16.3 points while shooting 38.3% from three-point range. Wrightsell Jr. fits Oats’s system because he scores in a variety of ways and shoots the three ball at a high clip. Oats loves threes, as Alabama is a fast-paced shooting team. Therefore, Latrell is a good fit for Alabama and their offensive needs this season.
Last Word
Losing three top scorers from a great time would burn a lot of programs. However, Alabama Basketball used it as a chance to get better. Nate Oats got good front-court talent, and explosive-scoring guards to field a team that will compete well nationally. Hopefully, the Crimson Tide turn talent on paper to reality.
