Just over a week after Alabama received its second Class of 2019 verbal commitment, the program saw its commit count drop down to one. 6-foot-7 small forward Diante Smith, who was Alabama’s first verbal in the class, announced via his Twitter account that he has decided to reopen his recruitment.
🚨 After talking with my parents, I’m officially reopening my recruitment back up 🚨
— Diante Smith DS10™ (@D1ANTE0) July 24, 2018
PLEASE RESPECT MY DECISION ‼️
Smith’s a four-star prospect out of Fort Walton Beach, Florida who’s played with the Showtime Hoops grassroots program this summer. At the time of his commitment to Alabama, Smith cited Alabama’s style of play and Avery Johnson’s coaching style as reasons for his decision to commit to the program.
Smith’s decision leaves 6-foot-5 wing Juwan Gary, who committed to Alabama on July 14, as the lone 2019 verbal commit for head coach Avery Johnson heading into the final open period of the summer.
The wing is a position where Alabama could stand to add some depth in the 2019 recruiting class, despite the fact that there are players on the current roster who will have eligibility remaining beyond the 2018-19 season. Tevin Mack and Dazon Ingram will both be juniors next season, with Herb Jones and John Petty both being sophomores.