One of the major clubs vying for USC transfer guard/wing Desmond Claude was Alabama, along with Nate Oats. One of the best players still available on the Transfer Portal is Claude. His official visit to Tuscaloosa was just rescheduled. Now, it looks like the visit won’t take place.
Labaron Philon’s sudden last-minute return to Alabama on Wednesday night seems to have put an end to Alabama’s efforts to recruit Claude.
After joining the Trojans, Claude averaged 15.8 points per game at USC the previous season. He attended Xavier for the two seasons prior.
Claude is probably going to fetch a good amount of NIL money. Without a doubt, Alabama had to pay to persuade Philon to drop out of the NBA Draft and go back to school. Claude would probably spend more than what is left over for Oats.
In any case, Philon’s return puts Alabama at guard. In addition to Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell, Jalil Bethea, Houston Mallette, and incoming freshman Davion Hannah, Philon will be a part of a loaded backcourt.
Alabama might consider adding one more item to the Transfer Portal.
Due to Philon’s choice to return, Alabama still has one roster spot available.
Ideally, a wing or a hybrid 4/5 will occupy the space. The Crimson Tide may still have some minutes available on the wing, but landing an emergency big man would likely be the best option.
Keonte Jones, a winger for Cal State Northridge, has previously been linked to Alabama, but his recruiting has been quiet. His waiver to even play collegiate basketball the following season has still not been formally granted.
Oats and the employees still have a few options to choose from. But now it would be considered a luxury addition. The current 12-man roster is more than capable of competing with any team in the nation, and Philon transforms everything for the Crimson Tide.
Although it is challenging, it is ideal to fill all 13 of your scholarship positions in order to have insurance in case of injuries. Even with three players ultimately redshirting, Alabama struggled to satisfy everyone despite having a full 13-man roster the previous season.
There were real concerns about the roster and who would step up before Philon decided to come back. The only question left is one that Oats is accustomed to answering: how will he divide up the minutes so that everyone is satisfied?
