Alabama basketball target releases decision date; other sets weekend visit
Alabama has already missed out on two potential impact transfers in the last week. Can it land one of the country’s best available scoring guards?
It’ll find out in 17 days as former Hofstra player Aaron Estrada revealed his commitment date on Twitter Wednesday morning. Estrada, who included the Crimson Tide among his final four yesterday, will make his decision on April 29.
Estrada entered the portal for the second time in his collegiate career on April 4. The contenders for the 6-foot-3 native of Woodbury, New Jersey are Cincinnati, Florida State, Kansas State and the Tide. Estrada reportedly spent last weekend with the Bearcats. On3′s prediction machine gives Cincinnati a 92.3% chance of landing Estrada compared to Alabama’s 2.6%.
Estrada’s scoring ability has made him highly sought-after and earned him back-to-back Colonia Athletic Association player of the year awards. In 31 games, Estrada shot 47.8% from the field and swished 70 3-pointers, leading the Pride in scoring (20.2 points per game).
The time before Estrada’s decision could provide more clarity on Alabama’s roster. Three starters, Charles Bediako, Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears are all entertaining the idea of the NBA Draft and could return to school. And after guard Denver Jones (FIU) picked Auburn and center Kel’el Ware (Oregon) chose Indiana, Tide coach Nate Oats is still waiting on the decision of forward BJ Mack.
Mack, a Wofford transfer, told Jon Rothstein he’ll be in Tuscaloosa this weekend. Mack announced his top five on April 5 with Iowa, South Carolina, Arkansas and LSU competing with the Tide. After Alabama, Mack will visit Iowa.
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Oats started filling out his bench over the weekend when Alabama reportedly came to an agreement with Nicholls State head coach Austin Claunch. Claunch is expected to be one of three assistant coach appointments after Oats lost three assistants to various head coaching jobs.
Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].