Curiously, Alabama is one of only a few known D-1 college basketball programs that has yet to sign a player as an incoming recruit for next year. While they have a great chance at landing top-25 prospect Devonta Pollard, they have been shut out on other prospects they pursued.
With that said, the Crimson Tide is in great shape for 2013, as they have landed two solid commitments from current high school juniors. They’ve had Christ School (N.C.) power forward Shannon Hale pledged for a while, but added a commitment from 6-10 center Jimmie Taylor of Greensboro (Ala.) over the weekend.
Taylor is from a small town in Alabama and a terrific in-state prospect for coach Anthony Grant. While he’s from a rural area, his potential has been recognized enough for him to garner an invitation to the last several USA Basketball Developmental National Team training camps. He hasn’t yet been picked to play on a national team, but his long slender frame and ability to move has drawn some attention. At times at the training camps he has looked overmatched by the nation’s elite prospect, but he’s also held his own for stretches.
Hale is a solid interior player, and has the strength that could allow Taylor to develop with time. The Crimson Tide also held a pledge from New Jersey point guard Jaren Sina for a time, but Sina has since re-opened his commitment and has a list that includes many top programs from the Northeast. If Grant is able to get Sina back or a player of his caliber, this class could stand out as a terrific effort.
Kellon Hassenstab runs Hoopniks.com. Follow him on Twitter @hoopniks.