Alabama Basketball: First transfer action for Nate Oats roster rebuild

It was learned on Monday that two Alabama basketball players have entered the transfer portal. They are a pair of Crimson Tide big men; Keon Ambrose-Hylton and Alex Tchikou. Ambrose-Hylton was highly valued coming from high school in Canada. 247Sports had him as the No. 78 player overall in the 2020 class. As a freshman, he played sparingly in 18 games. He saw action in only three games this past season.

The 6’11”, Alex Tchikou was rated by Rivals as the No. 38 player overall in the 2020 class. A ruptured Achilles tendon kept him out of action in the 2020-21 season. Before he was medically cleared to return, he injured a knee in a pickup game. The Alabama basketball staff never developed confidence in his ability to contribute and he played less than 10 minutes in his Crimson Tide basketball career.

Based on their size and rankings as recruits, both young men should come out of the portal with new teams. A word of credit is due Ambrose-Hylton who consistently encouraged and cheered for his teammates while watching them play.

A couple of days ago, we posted a starting point for Nate Oats’ ‘2022-23 season roster rebuild.

"JD DavisonCharles BediakoNoah GurleyNimari BurnettJuwan GaryDarius MilesJasaun HoltBrandon Miller – 6’8″, 200lbs. – 5-Star Small Forward; No. 11 player overallJaden Bradley – 6’3″ – 5-Star Guard; No. 17 player overallRylen Griffen – 6’5″ – 4-Star Guard; No. 49 player overallNoah Clowney – 6’9″, 200lbs. – 4-Star Forward; No. 58 player overallNick Pringle – 6’9″, 220lbs. – 3-Star Forward and No. 3 overall JUCO player"

How much room will Alabama Basketball have for transfers?

That is 12 scholarship players, leaving little room for incoming transfers. There are indications Nate Oats intends to add two and possibly three transfer players. The Alabama Crimson Tide staff has already been engaged with at least four transfer prospects.

The competition is stiff for each of the four. Princeton guard, Jaelin Llewellyn has reportedly been contacted by more than 20 programs. Among the 20 are nine teams from this season’s NCAA Tournament.

If Nate Oats goes with another big, 6’11” Fardaws Aimaq could be the top target. Perhaps the Tide staff got an early start on Aimaq, but he is recently rumored to leave Utah Valley and join the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Crimson Tide is also interested in 6’8″ forward Taylor Funk from St. Joseph’s. Funk can shoot the three better than any Tide player this past season. He said a few days ago he is only interested in teams in this season’s NCAA Tournament.

A fourth transfer prospect is Camren Wynter. The Drexel point guard has reportedly been in contact with 15 programs, including Arkansas, Creighton and Providence.

Nate Oats and his staff will aggressively battle for top transfers to improve the Crimson Tide.