The transfer portal for college basketball has been open for just over a week, and there’s already been significant movement, including with Alabama men’s basketball.
The Crimson Tide has seen one player enter the portal and another join. Naas Cunningham, who redshirted last season, entered the portal on Sunday. Meanwhile, 7-foot Latvian center Noah Williamson has committed to Alabama out of the transfer portal.
Who’s next?
Kennesaw State guard Adrian Wooley, a Tuscaloosa native, is no longer an option after he signed with Louisville, removing him from our list of players to watch.
With a few new names entering the portal since our initial list was published, here’s an updated group of five players we’re keeping an eye on for Alabama.
Note: This list is not exhaustive.
Jaron Pierre Jr., Jacksonville State
Standing 6-5 and weighing 188 pounds, Pierre has bounced around college basketball, playing for Southern Miss, Wichita State, and most recently Jacksonville State. This past season, Pierre emerged as a standout, averaging 21.6 points per game and shooting 38.2% from three. With 118 collegiate games and 89 starts under his belt, Pierre is now in the transfer portal while also planning to enter the NBA Draft process. Alabama could be a potential landing spot, especially with the Tide losing Mark Sears and Chris Youngblood, both of whom have exhausted their eligibility. Labaron Philon could also declare for the NBA Draft, leaving a need for guard depth.
Taylor Bol Bowen, Florida State
A 6-10, 195-pound forward, Bowen is another name to watch for Alabama. The Crimson Tide may need forward reinforcements after losing Grant Nelson to graduation and with Naas Cunningham entering the portal. Bowen averaged 8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game this season, while shooting 41.4% from three-point range in his sophomore campaign.
Jalil Bethea, Miami
Bethea, a 6-5, 190-pound guard, started 16 games for Miami during his freshman year, averaging 7.1 points per game. Adding Bethea would provide Alabama with more length at guard, which could be key with potential departures from the roster.
Corey Chest, LSU
Chest made an impression in a game against Alabama, scoring 12 points, grabbing 18 rebounds, and blocking three shots. The 6-8, 220-pound forward from New Orleans started 19 games for LSU this past season, averaging 6.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. His strong performance against Alabama might make him an appealing option for the Crimson Tide.
Rylan Griffen, Kansas
Could a reunion happen? It’s possible. Griffen spent one season at Kansas, averaging 6.3 points per game and starting 20 of 33 games. His time at Kansas hasn’t been as successful as expected, but a return to Alabama is not out of the question.
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