The two biggest recruits in Nate Oats' seventh-ranked recruiting class took part in the McDonald's All American Game. Derrion Reid is the class's 15th-ranked recruit as a five-star while Aiden Sherrell is a four-star recruit as the 30th-ranked player in the country. The third member of Nate Oats' signing class Naas Cunningham was left out but, was in consideration as the Nation's 43rd-ranked player.
The prolific prep teammates were teammates again at the All-American Game on the West team before becoming teammates at Alabama. The duo saw limited playing time in the game as they were on the team's second unit.
While being the lower-ranked of the duo the addition of Aiden Sherrell should excite Alabama fans the most. The 6 foot 10 power forward plays with versatility that will allow Nate Oats to run unique sets on offense. Defensively, Sherrell will make a massive impact in 2025 especially if Grant Nelson leaves for the NBA Draft. The defensive versatility of Sherrell will make him a weapon as he's able to impact the game defending the rim while plays like a steal at the top of the key could transform the Tide's defense. The Power Forward finished the game with two rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. His game mirrors that of Jarin Stevenson as a big man who's not afraid to shoot the three while playing above the rim on both ends.
Aiden Sherrell another block #mcdonaldsallamerican #McDAAG pic.twitter.com/QhwNDh1eL9
— Deee Black (@Deee_Black_) April 3, 2024
The game didn't fit the style of Derrion Reid yet he still stood out in a few ways. The wing attacks the basket showing an ability to make tough layups a key facet of Nate Oats' offense. Defensively, Reid will be a weapon just like Sherrell with the size and ability to defend guard point guards to centers. Reid plays a physical style, attacking the rim on offense while attacking the glass on both ends of the court. Reid finished the game with four points, three rebounds, and a block.
This could be Nate Oats' best class yet
In the rankings, the 2022 recruiting class edges out this class as the 2022 group ranked fourth in the country headlined by Brandon Miller. However, Oats 2024 class ranks 7th with just three players while Oats brought in six players in the 2022 class. All three of Oats' 2024 signees are top-end players matching up similarly to Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney, and Jaden Bradley. Depending on who comes back from this Final Four team the Alabama Basketball team may enter 2025 ranked in the top ten of the AP Poll.
Note: recruiting info via 24/7 Sports