What’s Next for Alabama Men’s Basketball for the 26-27 Season?
The Alabama Crimson Tide had their season ended in the Sweet 16 against the future champions, the Michigan Wolverines, 90-77. While Alabama was not a consensus favorite to become champions, they would have at least liked to have a more competitive game in the Sweet 16. The Crimson Tide will be looking to make it back to the later rounds of March Madness, and one of the best ways to do that is through the transfer portal. As of April 25th, Alabama has signed three college players via the portal.
Drew Fielder is an incoming four-star senior transferring from Boise State. The six-foot-ten forward is coming off his best year, averaging 14.7 points and 5.7 rebounds, while also shooting a career-best 54% from the field, 40% from behind the arc, and 78% from the free throw line. Fielder chose the best time of his career to enter the transfer portal, and going to a prestigious school like Alabama will give him the spotlight he needs if he has NBA aspirations. The Idaho native could also be looking at a starting role to start the next season.
Another transfer that the Crimson Tide landed is Jamarion Davis-Fleming. The four-star freshman averaged 3.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and one block per game while averaging 20 minutes played. Fleming will be looking for a fresh start in Tuscaloosa and will also be looking to improve on his scoring as a defensive-minded forward. If he plays his cards right, the six-foot-ten forward could be looking at a rotational defensive spark off the bench.
Brandon Garrison is the third player who has transferred to Alabama. The three-star junior center is coming in from Kentucky, where he had his worst statistical year, averaging 4.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and less than one block per game. Garrison played 36 games and averaged 16 minutes, so he will also be looking at a bench role in the upcoming season. If he wants to become a more prominent player, Garrison has to work on his interior defense. The center is supposed to be the anchor of the defense, so having one that does not average one block is a hole that will need to be filled.
