There are still two major variables for Alabama basketball next season, with Amari Allen testing the NBA Draft process and Aden Holloway's pending felony charges. But the way that Nate Oats has operated in the Transfer Portal, it seems that he expects both to be on the court for the Crimson Tide next season.
And if that's the case, coupled with some impressive Transfer Portal work and a strong high school recruiting class, it's hard not to get excited about next season's outlook.
ESPN's Jeff Borzello certainly is.
Borzello updated his way-too-early Top 25 on Monday, and the Crimson Tide took a major leap.
In his initial rankings, Borzello had Alabama at No. 20. After the portal wheeling and dealing, Oats and the Tide have seen their stock rise all the way to No. 8 in his latest rankings.
Alabama basketball jumps up to No. 8 in ESPN's way-too-early Top 25
Unfortunately, the SEC is looking like a buzzsaw once again. At No. 8, Alabama is ranked 4th in the SEC, behind Florida (No. 1), Arkansas (No. 6), and Texas (No. 7).
Labaron Philon won't be easily replaced, and neither will key role players in Latrell Wrightsell and Houston Mallette, but the vision for Oats' new roster-building strategy has really come together this offseason.
While Aiden Sherrell was a difficult portal loss, the additions of both Brandon Garrison (Kentucky) and Jamarion Davis-Fleming (Mississippi State) should allow Alabama to get more versatile defensively in the frontcourt.
Alabama also added an impressive young wing in Cole Cloer from NC State, who will join a crop of intriguing, versatile wings with London Jemison returning and Qayden Samuels, Jaxon Richardson, and Tarris Bouie coming in from the high school class.
Boise State transfer Drew Fielder brings more size to the frontcourt at 6-foot-11 and adds some three-point shooting after knocking down 41% from distance for the Broncos this past season.
If Holloway and Allen are in the starting lineup to begin next season as Oats clearly expects, Alabama will have a deep and versatile team capable of matching up against any team in the country, regardless of style of play.
Alabama may not be done in the portal yet, either, but that could ultimately depend on Allen's decision, and where things head with Holloway. Alabama probably needs to add one more guard regardless, but it's clear that after Oats' portal activity, the Crimson Tide is trending up heading into the summer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google