Nate Oats could get a 2nd chance at a former 5-star guard in the Transfer Portal

After initially committing to Miami (FL), former 5-star guard Matt Able asked out of his NLI amid a coaching change in Coral Gables. Alabama was one of the teams hot on the trail for the 6-foot-6 guard out of Baltimore, but it ultimately never materialized.

Able ultimately chose Will Wade and NC State, but finds himself back on the market after his freshman season in Raleigh amid more coaching turnover. Wade left NC State after one season to return to LSU, where he had been fired previously.

Now, Able will enter the Transfer Portal while also going through the NBA Draft process. He could work his way into the 2nd Round range of the draft, but it seems likely that he'll be playing college basketball next season.

Nate Oats could chase after former 5-star Matt Able once again

Alabama could get back involved with Able after swinging and missing a year ago.

As a freshman at NC State, Able averaged 8.8 points per game and shot 35.5% from three. Those numbers went up to 9.2 points and 37% from three during ACC play. He has intriguing physical skills, and could ultimately be a great fit for the Tide's system.

Oats has spoken openly about the need for Alabama to get bigger across the roster. That was obvious in last season's Elite Eight loss to Duke, where the Tide's diminutive backcourt struggled against the length of the Blue Devils.

This year, it was obvious in the frontcourt in the Sweet 16 loss to Michigan, as well as regular-season losses to the likes of Florida and Arizona.

Able has the size that would be an immediate help for the Crimson Tide in that department. His shooting uptick in ACC play as a freshman makes him all the more intriguing.

He'll have his fair share of suitors as a former 5-star recruit who flashed as a freshman. He could choose to follow Wade to Baton Rouge, but Oats will likely reach out and take a swing nonetheless.