The Alabama Crimson Tide added rim protection, shooting and depth this offseason with the signings of five spring transfers — Aden Holloway, Houston Mallett, Clifford Omoruyi, LaBaron Philon and Chris Youngblood — who join a 2024 freshman class that is ranked in the top three in the country by multiple recruiting media outlets. website.
“We are excited about the players we have acquired and the value they will bring to our program,” head coach Nate Oats said. Said.
All five played key roles at their previous schools in 2023, so each transfer player is expected to make an immediate impact in Tuscaloosa.
Sophomore guard Holloway transferred from Auburn to Tuscaloosa State in what was a major addition for the Crimson Tide, taking a key contributor from their biggest rival. Holloway was named to the 2024 SEC All-Freshman Team and played in 26 games for the Tigers last year.
Oats and his team are hoping the move will bring both high shooting percentages and solid defense.
“Aiden was a McDonald's All-American coming out of high school and was one of the best shooting point guards in the country,” Oats said.
Oats noted Holloway's combination of shooting ability and defensive prowess make his “special skill set and talent” attractive to his program.
Mallett, a senior guard, transferred from Pepperdine University and played in 90 of 94 games for the Waves. His height and shooting ability make him a perfect fit in Oats' system, making Mallett a plug-and-play type of player for the Crimson Tide.
“Houston is a versatile guard with length and unique playmaking skills. He can defend 1-4 and is a reliable shooter,” Oats said.
Omoruyi, a graduate student, was one of the most highly-anticipated big men entering the transfer portal this spring, committing his talents to Alabama from Rutgers University. The veteran center is a three-time All-Big Ten selection and a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award in 2023, given to the nation's top center.
“Cliff is arguably one of the best shot blockers in the country and the Big Ten over the last 25 years,” Oats said. “He's a key player for our defense and has great offensive skills that we can showcase.”
Oats emphasized that his exceptional athleticism and 7-foot-6 wingspan “will be a great addition to our team.”
Alabama also signed freshman guard Philon, who shocked the nation by initially committing to Kansas until late April, then backing out and re-opening his recruitment.
Just five days after leaving the Jayhawks, Philon announced he would be joining the Crimson Tide. Philon brings some serious talent to the team, ranking as the sixth-best point guard in the 2024 class. On 3.
“LaBaron is an explosive combo guard who is dynamic in the open court and can make plays around the rim. He was a 3-point shooter over 40 percent in high school and is a tenacious competitor,” Oats said.
Youngblood, a graduate student and Tuscaloosa native, transfers from South Florida and brings a competitive shot and proven ability to win. The guard was named AAC Co-Player of the Year with the Bulls last season and averaged 15.3 points per game during his time with the team. Youngblood's impressive stats include a 41.6% shooting percentage from 3-point range, which will make him a good fit for Oats' offensive scheme.
Oats called Youngblood a “knockdown shooter” and said his shot after the catch was “unbelievable.” He also described the former USF star as “an incredible downhill driver who can make explosive plays around the rim” and a “relentless worker.”
This loaded freshman class is the best rated in program history and marks Oats' fourth consecutive top 15 class, also unprecedented at Alabama.
“I'm proud that our coaching staff has been able to add veteran leadership to our freshman talent,” Oats said. “I'm excited to welcome our freshmen and their families to the Alabama basketball program.”
