Nate Oats and Alabama have landed two commitments from SEC-experienced big men in the Transfer Portal, but there's still work to be done as the Crimson Tide looks to build its roster for the 2026-27 season.
Alabama landed a commitment on Sunday night from Kentucky's Brandon Garrison, and then followed that up on Wednesday with the addition of Mississippi State's Jamarion Davis-Fleming. With the hope that Collins Onyejiaka and Keitenn Bristow will both be back next season, Alabama could be set at the five spot.
In terms of needs, finding someone else who can play the four would be up there, particularly with Oats' insistence that Alabama get bigger this offseason. Top of the list, though, is probably a combo guard to replace Labaron Philon, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding the future of Aden Holloway.
So what's next for Oats and Alabama? Let's make a few predictions.
Predicting what happens next for Nate Oats and Alabama basketball
1. Amari Allen announces his return
No matter what moves Alabama makes in the Transfer Portal from here, there would be no bigger move than retaining star freshman wing Amari Allen, who had a stellar freshman season that got the attention of NBA Draft scouts.
Allen is a projected late first-round pick, but he could take the Philon path and return for his sophomore season in Tuscaloosa while potentially working his way up into the lottery in the 2027 class.
Allen's all-around game was a huge boost for the Tide this year, and could grow even further next year. There's a world where he's the guy for Alabama next season, with his ability on and off-ball.
Retaining Allen should be priority No.1 for Oats.
2. Land a commitment from Furman guard Alex Wilkins
Alabama needs another guard, regardless of what happens with Allen and Holloway. Replacing the scoring and playmaking that Philon provided won't be easy, and won't come cheap, but Furman transfer Alex Wilkins might be the perfect addition.
Wilkins was terrific as a freshman for Furman, averaging 17.8 points per game. Wilkins only shot 32.8% from three, but he was at 46% on corner threes, and his lower percentage was likely attributed to a ridiculous usage rate where he had to create everything for himself. In an offensive system like Alabama's, Wilkins would probably project closer to 40% from downtown.
His size at 6-foot-5 would make him a perfect complement in the backcourt to Holloway, or he could take over full-time lead guard responsibilities if Holloway isn't able to play.
Alabama has been connected to Wilkins, and with the big men taken care of, Oats can put the full-court press on for a perfect roster fit.
3. London Jemison announces his return
While he didn't have as big an impact as Allen, London Jemison flashed his immense potential for the Crimson Tide as a freshman, starting 13 games and being a key rotational piece throughout the year.
Jemison had to play out of position for most of the year, flipping between being the starting four and playing some small-ball five. With the addition of Garrison and Davis-Fleming, Jemison should see more time on the wing, splitting his time between the three and four instead.
Jemison's three-point shooting showed promise. He hit 34.8% as a freshman, and if that continues to trend up, he could be a perfect three-and-D wing with his size at 6-foot-8.
Outside of Allen and Holloway, Jemison might be the most important roster retention for Oats.
Add us as a preferred source on Google