Nate Oats and Alabama are trending for elite defender in the Transfer Portal

Things have been quiet in the Transfer Portal for Alabama basketball in recent weeks. That should change soon.

After missing out on Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, Nate Oats and staff turned their attention elsewhere on the West Coast.

Now, the Crimson Tide is trending to land a commitment out of the Transfer Portal from Cal State Northridge wing Keonte Jones. Jones is a versatile, all-around player who is one of the nation's better defenders. He's exactly the type of player Oats is looking for to improve Alabama's toughness and defensive versatility.

Jones is an all-around player who averaged 13.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game last season for the Matadors. Jones shot over 50% from the floor and hit 38% of his three-point attempts, though it was at a low volume. He hit 13-of-34 attempts from downtown.

At 6-foot-6, Jones has the ability to play multiple positions. He can handle the ball, hit the occasional three, attack the rim, rebound, and defend guards and frontcourt players. His ability on the defensive end is his biggest selling point.

Despite playing for a team that ranked 129th in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom, Jones graded out as one of the top defensive players in the country. The Matadors gave up just 94.1 points per 100 possessions when Jones was on the floor.

Jones was at one time committed to Eric Musselman and USC, but decommitted from the Trojans a couple of weeks ago. He played two years at Northridge and three years of JUCO, so he will need a waiver to play in 2025-26. Considering the blanket waivers that have gone out for JUCO players, that shouldn't be an issue.

If Oats is able to seal the deal and add Jones as expected, he projects to be a difference maker for the Crimson Tide next season.

Jones may be Alabama's Mo Dioubate replacement

Jones would likely slot into a similar role to what Mo Dioubate played for Alabama last season. He'll be the glue guy and likely end up as one of the leaders in hard hats next season. He gives maximum effort and uses his plus-athleticism to rebound at a high level and block shots as a help defender at the rim.

Jones's all-around game reminds me of a player Alabama fans are familiar with from the NCAA Tournament in Robert Morris' Amarion Dickerson.

Jones may not be a legitimate 38% shooter on higher volume, but with stretch-fives in Noah Williamson and Aiden Sherrell, Jones could occupy the "dunker spot" in Alabama's offensive system with his athleticism.

Jones may not be a flashy pick-up, but he's a winning player who will make a difference in the win/loss column.