Nate Oats and his Alabama basketball staff have been busy since the Crimson Tide’s Elite Eight loss to Duke. Just days after the season ended, Alabama secured a commitment from 7-footer Noah Williamson, the Patriot League Player of the Year from Bucknell.
On Friday, the Crimson Tide added another key transfer, landing Florida State forward Taylor Bol Bowen.
NEWS: Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen has committed to Alabama, his agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation told ESPN. The 6-foot-10 former Top-100 recruit averaged 8 points, 5.2 rebounds per game, shooting 41% from three this season.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 4, 2025
Bowen, a 6-foot-10 stretch-four, brings length and defensive versatility to Alabama. In his sophomore season at Florida State, he averaged 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 25 minutes per game while shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc on 2.4 attempts per game. His ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable addition to the Crimson Tide.
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Defensively, Bowen’s impact is evident—his 7.1% block percentage ranked 69th nationally last season. Oats is emphasizing defense as he reshapes Alabama’s roster, and Bowen’s strong defensive metrics, including a 3.2 defensive BPM (box plus-minus), highlight his effectiveness. His ability to guard both forwards and guards, along with his rim protection skills, will provide Alabama with the defensive versatility it needs.
Where the Alabama basketball roster stands after Taylor Bol Bowen’s commitment
At the moment, Alabama’s roster is complete. The Crimson Tide lost four players—Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Chris Youngblood, and Cliff Omoruyi—who exhausted their eligibility. Additionally, Naas Cunningham entered the Transfer Portal, making him the only player from Alabama’s 2024-25 roster to do so thus far.
Alabama has signed a three-player recruiting class and secured two commitments from the transfer portal.
However, changes are still expected. It’s likely that one or two more players will enter the portal, and Labaron Philon is still considering declaring for the NBA Draft.
The Crimson Tide remains active in recruiting. With a center and a stretch four already added, Oats and his staff are expected to shift their focus to securing a big guard.
Alabama has made a strong start in the Transfer Portal as they continue to shape their roster in pursuit of the program’s first National Championship.
