Alabama basketball announced the hiring of its second of three assistant coaching vacancies on Wednesday.

Ryan Pannone, an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans and former head coach of the Birmingham Squadron, officially joined Nate Oats’ bench. AL.com confirmed UA’s interest in Pannone in April.

The Tide needed to refill its staff after a run to the Sweet 16 not only led to some roster turnover but assistant coaches getting opportunities. Bryan Hodgson left for Arkansas State. Kennesaw State hired Antonie Pettway. Charlie Henry is now at Georgia Southern. Alabama hired Nicholls State head coach Austin Claunch on April 18.

“I am extremely honored to join The University of Alabama and Coach Oats’ staff,” Pannone said in a statement released by the program. “The chance to join a legendary school with a basketball program that is among the best in the country is a privilege. Coach Oats leads a team that competes with NBA-style ball and runs NBA sets, so to have the opportunity to leverage my NBA experience to mentor and raise up student athletes was a rare and rewarding offer I couldn’t pass up.”

Pannone started his coaching career in 2006 at Oldsmar (Fla.) Christian School. He joined the Foshan Long Lions, a Chinese professional basketball team as an assistant in 2013 and became head coach of BC Prievidza, a Slovak Basketball League team, in 2017.

Pannone returned to the U.S. in 2019 and led the Birmingham Squadron for three years. He spent last season under Pelicans head coach Willie Green in New Orleans.

“Over my last four years at Alabama, I have gotten to know Ryan through his work with the Pelicans organization.  He is one of the brightest minds in the game of basketball and a relentless worker,” Oats said. “Ryan brings a wealth of Xs and Os experience to Tuscaloosa from his time coaching in the NBA, G League, and overseas. He is recognized as a top recruiter and a leader in player development, both crucial to the long and short-term success of our program. We are excited Ryan is on board working with our student athletes. Not only is he a fantastic coach, but he is an even better person and a proven mentor of young men. I am sure Ryan and his family will become a valued part of the Tuscaloosa community.”

Alabama is still working out its roster for next fall. Mark Sears and Jahvon Quinerly announced their returns last week, while Charles Bediako stayed in the draft.

“You didn’t really pursue bigs in the portal because you anticipate (his return) but now you have to figure out another option,” Oats told reporters at the SEC spring meetings.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].