Alabama transfer forward Jarin Stevenson announces new destination

After spending two seasons with Alabama basketball, forward Jarin Stevenson decided to seek out a fresh start and entered the Transfer Portal. The Chapel Hill native is heading home, announcing on Sunday night his intention to transfer to North Carolina.

Stevenson's recruitment out of high school came down to Alabama and North Carolina. Stevenson was a Tar Heel legacy recruit, and Nate Oats pulling him out of Chapel Hill was a massive recruiting win for the Crimson Tide.

After two years in Tuscaloosa, Stevenson has decided to return home. He needed a fresh start following an up-and-down two seasons with the Crimson Tide.

Stevenson will be remembered fondly for his performance in the Elite Eight last season. He scored 19 points and hit five three-pointers in Alabama's win over Clemson, propelling the Crimson Tide into the Final Four for the first time in school history.

A big year was expected from Stevenson as he stepped into his sophomore season, but he struggled with consistency and averaged just 5.4 points per game. His shooting improved throughout the season, and after missing his first 18 attempts from three, he shot 37.3% for the remainder of the season.

Stevenson's game grew, even if the stats don't bear it out. He became a much better defensive player, with the versatility to defend guards and forwards. He'll be a nice addition for North Carolina, and most Alabama fans will root him on at the next stop in his journey.

Alabama basketball has two open roster spots

Alabama has seen four players enter the Transfer Portal this offseason. Mo Dioubate (Kentucky) and Jarin Stevenson (North Carolina) have announced their destinations, while both Derrion Reid and Naas Cunningham remain in the portal.

Alabama has landed commitments from Noah Williamson (Bucknell), Taylor Bol Bowen (Florida State), and Jalil Bethea (Miami). They are still waiting on a decision from freshman guard Labaron Philon, with all signs pointing toward him likely testing the NBA Draft waters.

Alabama has two open roster spots at the moment. Philon leaving would open up a third. For now, Alabama seemingly has a need at forward, likely a hybrid 4/5 to replace Dioubate/Stevenson's minutes.

Last season, Alabama had four players get minutes at the five. Cliff Omoruyi, Aiden Sherrell, Grant Nelson, and then Dioubate in spot minutes. For now, Alabama only has Sherrell and Williamson, while they could perhaps get some spot minutes from Bowen.

Alabama had hoped to retain at least one of Reid/Stevenson/Dioubate. With all three leaving via the Transfer Portal, Oats and company will now aggressively pursue options.