Alabama Crimson Tide: Latest developments out of T-Town

With the Alabama Crimson Tide’s two most prominent sports in the offseason, big news does not come out every day. That does not mean there is no news and as always there are fan questions and a continuous swirl of rumors.

There are two current news items important to Alabama Crimson Tide fans. One is a welcome addition to Nick Saban’s Alabama football team. The other is the exit of an Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball player.

Good News for Alabama Football

Justin Eboigbe played in four games last season. A neck injury required surgery along with months of recovery. Initially, there was concern his recovery would never result in a return to the physical rigors of football. It is great news for the young man and the Alabama Crimson Tide program that he is 100% healed.

Alabama’s defensive line will get a major boost from Eboigbe’s return. At 42 games, Eboigbe is the Crimson Tide’s most experienced defensive lineman. His career stats of 29 solo tackles and 59 total tackles do not represent the impact he can make in the 2023 season. He and Tim Smith are the only Crimson Tide defensive linemen with significant playing experience.

Last spring and in his short 2022 season, Eboigbe received frequent praise from the Alabama football staff. He was one of the Alabama defensive players of the week against Vanderbilt and was named to the watch list for the Outland Trophy. Mark him down as a 2023 game-one starter at defensive end.

Alabama Crimson Tide Exit

Nate Oats is losing another player to the Transfer Portal. Former 5-Star, PG, Jaden Bradley announced his decision to transfer. Previously, Alabama wing, Nimari Burnett entered the Transfer Portal and was quickly picked up by the Michigan Wolverines.

Bradley will have numerous interested teams. Though his minutes were reduced and absorbed by Jahvon Quinerly in the last several games of the season, Bradley started 22 games for Nate Oats. His scoring high was 18 points against Gonzaga. In February, his best performance feeding teammates was seven assists against Georgia.

After scoring 14 points in the loss to Tennessee, Bradley appeared to hit something of a freshman wall, diminishing his productivity. He is a talented player, capable of a strong career with a new team.

Alabama basketball fans wonder if Bradley’s exit could be tied to a high probability that Jahvon Quinerly will return for another season in Tuscaloosa.