Alabama Basketball: Nate Oats has slammed dunk recruiting with latest commit

Yale graduate transfer, Jordan Bruner has committed to Alabama basketball, giving Nate Oats five new players for the 2020-21 season.

Alabama basketball coach, Nate Oats still has to prove he is the right fit for the Crimson Tide. What does not need proof is Oats’ ability to recruit talent for the Alabama basketball program.

The Friday commitment of Yale, graduate transfer Jordan Bruner is icing on an already sweet cake. Bruner joins Keon Ambrose-Hylton, Josh Primo, Keon Ellis and Darius Miller to create one of the top signing classes in the nation.

Like Primo earlier, Bruner fills an immediate need in Nate Oats’ roster. The 6’9″ Bruner will be a strong rim protector, rebounder and defender. He can also score, making 44 percent of his field goals last season. He has good shooting range for a ‘big’ and is a solid passer as well.

Bruner’s 2019-20 stats also include nine rebounds per game and 72 percent shooting from the foul line. He had 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block in a March 2019 NCAA Tournament loss to LSU. Along with the Crimson Tide, Baylor and Maryland were the final contenders for Jordan Bruner.

College basketball pundits have noticed the Crimson Tide’s quick recruiting rise under Nate Oats. The addition of Bruner is getting rave reviews.

"With Alabama landing Jordan Bruner: The Tide should be among the SEC’s best next season. The backcourt is loaded, and Bruner adds experience and versatility in the frontcourt. Conference should be strong at the top, but Nate Oats has a roster that can compete with anyone. (from Blake Lowell)"

A roster that can compete with anyone. Alabama basketball fans will embrace the claim. Along with the five new players, two more guys, coming back from injuries, James Rojas and Juwan Gary mean seven of next season’s 13 scholarship players will be new contributors.

Nate Oats will need to make at least one roster adjustment to match the 13 scholarship limit. It could be two spots will need to be vacated, if John Petty Jr. was to decide to forego turning professional.

Check the comment Bruner made on his decision to join the Crimson Tide.

"All three of my remaining schools were great situations, but due to God’s vision, I’ll be returning to college and joining Coach Nate Oats at the University of Alabama with the goal of winning a national championship."

Winning a national championship is certainly a lofty goal for Alabama basketball. Based on Nate Oats’ success in recruiting, talking about championships does not sound crazy.

At this point, Alabama basketball should make some pre-season Top 25 lists for the 2020-21 season. It will be interesting to watch as Oats shapes the new roster into a cohesive group.