Promising Alabama basketball sophomore has entered the Transfer Portal

Alabama basketball has seen its third defection in the Transfer Portal now with promising sophomore forward Jarin Stevenson entering, according to Travis Branham:

Stevenson joins Naas Cunningham and Mouhamed Dioubate as players from the Tide's 2024-25 squad to enter the Transfer Portal. Cunningham remains in the portal, while Dioubate recently committed to Kentucky.

Stevenson reclassified into the 2023 recruiting class, and was a major win for Nate Oats and company, pulling him out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Stevenson had an up-and-down two years at Alabama, averaging just over five points per game each season on below-average efficiency.

Stevenson took a major step defensively this season, however, and he started 22 of Alabama's 37 games. He showed the ability to guard multiple positions.

Stevenson also showed an improved three-point shot. While he only shot 30.7% from three on the season - a number that was actually lower than his freshman year - Stevenson missed the first 18 three-point attempts he took this season. Following that, he hit at a 37.3% clip from deep.

Stevenson entered the portal with a "do not contact" tag. Most will see that and immediately believe there was tampering done, but a lot of players enter with that tag, so they aren't overwhelmed with calls and messages from programs. Stevenson will likely have his NIL agent reach out to programs on his behalf.

Even with the inconsistent play, head coach Nate Oats has been complimentary of Stevenson throughout his two years in Tuscaloosa. Oats recently said of Stevenson, "he's a kid that he doesn't even know how good he is. When you talk to him, he has no idea. I mean, I think he should be a long-time NBA player. We've just got to realize he's young and pump him full of confidence and get him going because he could be an X-factor for us for sure.”

Stevenson is certainly not a player Oats wanted to lose.

Where does Alabama turn next to replace Jarin Stevenson?

Alabama may have already found its Jarin Stevenson replacement in the Transfer Portal in Florida State's Taylor Bol Bowen, a versatile stretch-four who can guard multiple positions and shot over 40% from three this past season.

But with Stevenson and Dioubate leaving via the portal and Cliff Omoruyi and Grant Nelson running out of eligibility, the Crimson Tide could use another big body.

They added Noah Williamson in the portal and are bringing back Aiden Sherrell, but another 3/4 hybrid forward might make sense to target with the now open roster spot.

Alabama is still waiting for a decision from freshman Derrion Reid, who has not yet announced his intentions for next season. The former 5-star will likely be a priority to retain in Tuscaloosa with Stevenson and Dioubate clearing out some minutes for him with their departures.

Alabama hasn't been linked to any other forwards since LSU's Corey Chest committed to Ole Miss. The recent indication has been the hope to retain Stevenson, Reid, and freshman guard Labaron Philon to round out the roster.