Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats has revived the program with sustained success on the court, on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal. After reaching the Final Four of March Madness for the first time in Crimson Tide history, Oats may be on the verge of sending another set of players to the NBA.
In 2024, Alabama managed to retain most of its talented roster, which helped guide the team to a deep NCAA Tournament run. As a result, the NBA draft did not feature any Crimson Tide standouts. However, that could change next year.
In a recent way-too-early 2025 NBA mock draft, Adam Finkelstein and Travis Branham projects incoming Alabama freshman small forward Derrion Reid to be selected No. 29 overall to the Orlando Magic.
“Reid is a versatile forward with size, length, athleticism and versatility on both ends of the court. He is at his best as a slasher, defender and rebounder but has also shown promising flashes as a playmaker and has grown as a shooter entering college.”
Reid committed to Alabama in December of 2023, and is one of the highest-rated recruits landed by Oats. He ranked No. 9 in the ESPN 100, and ranked No. 16 in the nation, according to 247Sports, which also tabbed Reid as a five-star prospect.
After committing to Alabama, Reid credited Oats for being a large part in the decision.
“I love their play style and the coaches,” Reid told ESPN. “Coach Oats gets his players better. I believe I can make an immediate impact and get better in all aspects of my game so I can get to the league. Coach Oats is a great person to be around and learn from.”
While the 2025 NBA draft isn’t for another year, it’s important for fans to get familiar with potential stars on the upcoming Crimson Tide roster as the team looks to not only return to the Final Four, but build upon this success as the program seeks a national championship.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama basketball news as the 2024 offseason progresses.
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