Nate Oats lands Transfer Portal's sixth-ranked player
The Alabama Basketball program has landed an early addition in the transfer portal as Nate Oats landed Pepperdine Guard Houston Mallette. The Junior guard is currently ranked as the sixth-best transfer according to 24/7 Sports.
Mallette was recruited by Nate Oats' assistant Preston Murphy out of High School which certainly played a role in Mallette's decision. Mallette will have one year of eligibility remaining making next season his only one in Crimson.
Mallette will be an instant fit in Nate Oats' heavy three-point shooting offense as a 41% shooter from deep in 2023. For Pepperdine Mallette scored 14.7 points per game with 3.2 rebounds per game and 2.4 assists per game as the Waves' third option in the offense. The guard is on the taller side at 6"5 which will bring much needed length and size to the backcourt. The pairing is a perfect fit giving the Tide another consistent scorer while Mallette's role in Nate Oats offense will certainly raise his NBA Draft stock.
When asked what he was looking for in his next program Mallette said the following:
"I only have one year left of eligibility so I want to go to a place where I can have an impact on the team, have a main role, mostly in the category of leading I want to be able to lead."
- Houston Mallette
The addition is massive for the 2024-25 season as the Alabama Basketball team may lose its starting guard pairing in Mark Sears and Aaron Estrada as the pair will test the NBA waters again.
Massive class on the way for the Alabama Basketball team
The 2024-25 Alabama Basketball team may be Nate Oats' most talented team yet with the players he's bringing in. Nate Oats has signed five-star forward Derrion Reid and will add three four-stars in Aidan Sherrell, Houston Mallette, and Naas Cunningham. The continued success of Alabama Basketball will only see Alabama continue to recruit top-level talent as Nate Oats is proving year in and year out that his offense will get players to the NBA.
Next. Mark Sears named second team All-American. Mark Sears named second team All-American. dark
Note: recruiting info via 24/7 sports