Alabama Basketball Gears Up with Four Key Transfer Additions Crimson Tide Head Coach Nate Oats is optimistic about the future of his program following the additions of four talented players through the transfer portal for the 2025-26 season. Joining the team are former Bucknell center Noah Williamson, former Florida State forward Taylor Bol Bowen, former Miami guard Jalil Bethea, and former Tarleton State forward Keitenn Bristow. Oats highlighted the potential and skillsets of each player during a press release on Tuesday, emphasizing their fit within the team’s system. "We are excited to welcome these four young men to our program who are not only extremely talented but great people who will add value to our program," Oats stated. "As a group, they bring a lot of size combined with athleticism and skill that will be great fits in our system. We are excited to welcome both them and their families to the Alabama basketball program."

Noah Williamson (Former Bucknell Center) Williamson, a reigning Patriot League Player of the Year, will be a senior at Alabama in 2025-26 after three years with Bucknell. Oats praised his skill and basketball IQ, noting his ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting and his passing abilities. "Noah is a 7-footer who possesses a lot of skill and has a great IQ. He has the ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and with his passing. He has a good feel for the game and that was shown last year when he was named Patriot League Player of the Year." Williamson averaged 17.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game for Bucknell, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court. His addition strengthens Alabama’s interior presence and offensive options."

Taylor Bol Bowen (Former Florida State Forward) Bol Bowen, a junior returning for his third season at Alabama in 2025-26, is expected to be a key contributor. Oats described him as a "tremendous athlete with great size at 6-10 and a 7-2 wingspan." He highlighted Bowen’s two-way ability and defensive prowess. "Taylor is a tremendous athlete with great size at 6-10 and a 7-2 wingspan. He can spread the floor with his three-point shooting and is one of the best two-way players in the country. He is elite on the defensive end and is one of the best weak-side rim protectors I have seen." Bowen averaged 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds (1.2 offensive), and an impressive 1.5 blocks per game for the Seminoles this season, demonstrating his rebounding and shot-blocking capabilities."

Jalil Bethea (Former Miami Guard) Bethea, a projected top-five pick before beginning his collegiate career, is expected to bring elite playmaking skills to the Crimson Tide. Oats called him a "supreme athlete with unlimited potential" and emphasized his ball-handling skills and decision-making. "Jalil is a supreme athlete with unlimited potential and is a player that has every measurable that the NBA is looking for, as he was a projected top-five pick before starting his collegiate career. Jalil is an elite playmaker and possesses great ball handling skills and decision making and will be a great fit for our system." Bethea averaged 7.1 points on 36.8 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from deep, with 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.6 steals per game for the Hurricanes, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities."

Keitenn Bristow (Former Tarleton State Forward) Bristow, a WAC Freshman of the Year, is expected to bring a dynamic tempo and shooting touch to the team. Oats noted his ability to make plays in transition and push the tempo. "Keitenn is a player that is just beginning to scratch the surface of his talent as he grew nine inches over the last three years. He has the ability to make plays in transition and push the tempo. He can rebound outside his area and is a capable three-point shooter." Bristow shot 32.8 percent from behind the arc and 46.1 percent from the floor. He also led all WAC freshmen with 1.1 steals per game. His addition adds shooting depth and defensive tenacity to the team."

Overall, Oats’s optimism reflects the strategic additions of these talented players, who are poised to contribute significantly to Alabama Basketball’s success in the 2025-26 season.