Nate Oats lands Alabama basketball's first 2026 commitment - and it's a big one

Fresh off the first official visit weekend of the fall, Nate Oats and Alabama basketball have landed a big commitment. 4-star wing Chris Washington Jr., the No. 40 overall player in the 247 composite, committed to Alabama on Monday, giving the Crimson Tide their first commitment of the 2026 recruiting class:

Washington was one of three Tide targets on campus this weekend for a visit and to attend the Alabama football game. Washington was joined by Tarris Bouie and Ikenna Alozie.

Washington has elite size for a wing at a listed 6-foot-9. He compared himself to Brandon Miller in his quote to Joe Tipton for his commitment graphic, something Tide fans - and Nate Oats - would be ecstatic about if it came to pass.

From his 247 scouting report:

"Washington is one of the highest-level athletes in the national class. He’s an extreme leaper who makes it look almost effortless when he gets his head on the rim. He can rise-up to catch lobs, fly at the offense glass for tip-dunks (7.2 rebounds per game in UAA play, including 2.6 on the offensive end), or throw down the type of open floor dunks that can immediately change the momentum of a game. Washington is also a super smooth runner, who sprints the floor with long, fluid strides. He has terrific wing size with long arms and long legs, but that high center of gravity and lean build makes it difficult for him to hold his ground, even though he’s not averse to contact.

He has some corresponding defensive upside with his length, twitchy reactions (1.1 steals), court coverage potential, and perimeter shot-blocking (1.1 blocks), but is nonetheless still early in the process of being disciplined and efficient with his angles, footwork, and technique. It’s a similar story offensively, where he has obvious talent with his physical gifts and even some touch to develop, but has to improve his decision-making and shot-selection (37% FG and 1.3 assists vs. 1.8 turnovers). He needs to be a more willing ball-mover, make quicker decisions with the ball, establish reliable ways to create his own offense in the half-court, and finish better around the rim when he’s unable to dunk (38% on lay-ups). He’s also older for his grade and will turn 19 in December of his senior year."

Adam Finkelstein

Chris Washington Jr. is just the first domino in what could be Nate Oats' best class yet

Washington is a big fish for Oats and the Crimson Tide to reel in after the first recruiting weekend of the fall. He won't be the last. Oats is gearing up for what could be his best recruiting class yet in Tuscaloosa.

Oats has raised Alabama's national profile to the point that they are not only in contention for elite prospects every cycle, but they routinely land them, too. Alabama has become a desired destination for the top basketball players in the country.

Washington gets things off to a nice start, but he may not be the only commitment from the trio of visitors. Alabama seems to be in pretty good shape for Tarris Bouie, too.

Alabama will have a couple more elite prospects on campus this coming weekend. 5-stars Deron Rippey Jr. and Jaxon Richardson will be in Tuscaloosa together. The Tide is among the top schools for both and will have a big chance to make a move in their recruitments.

In October, the Tide will host 5-star Alabama native Caleb Holt for a visit. They also have visits scheduled for elite prospects Cole Cloer and Colben Landrew.

If things continue to break the way they are trending, then Alabama could challenge for the No. 1 recruiting class in 2026.