Alabama Basketball: After adding Josh Primo an early 2020-21 starting five

Alabama basketball got 5-Star commit on Friday in Josh Primo. Check out an early look at 2020-21 starting five for Nate Oats.

Josh Primo is a big get for Alabama basketball. His verbal commit comes a couple of weeks before he can actually sign but it appears solid. Nate Oats and primary recruiter, Bryan Hodgson are to be commended for attracting one of the fastest-rising recruits in the 2020 class.

Primo is the second member of the Crimson Tide’s 2020 class. He joins 4-Star, Keon Ambrose-Hylton, 6’8″ wing. Nate Oats is expected to bring at least one more player and perhaps up to as many as three, depending on outbound transfers.

Based on the 247Sports Player Rankings (not the Composite), Primo is the No. 7 combo guard and the No. 27 player in the 2020 class. At 6’6″ and just 180 pounds, Primo has the build of a younger Herbert Jones. Primo excels at shooting on the perimeter. He also has the ability to pass efficiently and get to the rim. Probably the best comparison is to John Petty Jr. with better ball-handling skills.

An Early Look at 2020-21 Starters and Key Players in Rotation

The following presumes a ‘4-out’ lineup played with one ‘big.’ Starters are in bold. John Petty Jr. and Kira Lewis Jr. are expected to leave for professional opportunities.

Lead Guard

• Jahvon Quinerly; Josh Primo; another Oats’ recruit or transfer

Shooting Guard

• Jaden Shackelford; Josh Primo

Wings

• Herbert Jones; Juwan Gary; James Rojas; Keon Ambrose-Hylton; Jaylen Forbes

Big

• Javian Davis-Fleming; another Oats recruit or transfer

In a 5-out lineup, Alex Reese would replace Davis-Fleming.

A best guess is when (if) Oats brings in another big, Galen Smith will decide to transfer. Alex Reese may decide to play elsewhere as well. It is no secret his work ethic has been challenged by Nate Oats.

How does the projected lineup compare to last season? Until Nate Oats finishes, it is hard to say. Two more quality players are needed. A third player could be brought in if Galin Smith (or Reese) decides to transfer.

At this point, the lineup might be a slight improvement over last season. If Primo starts the season playing like a veteran, the roster would certainly be improved. There is depth and talent with the wings. A physical big and another guard, to keep Quinerly from having to play 38 minutes a game, is necessary to complete a roster improvement.

Stay connected with Bama Hammer for more basketball news. An updated 2020 recruiting targets post will be available soon.