Alabama’s backcourt was undersized this past season, ranking 246th nationally in guard height. The lack of size became a clear issue, especially when facing taller opponents who made it difficult for the Crimson Tide’s guards to create shots. So, addressing the need for length and depth at the guard spots was a top priority. The recent announcements that Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Houston Mallette will return helped address part of that concern—but Alabama still needed another capable shooting guard.
Enter Jalil Bethea, a dynamic five-star transfer from the struggling Miami Hurricanes.
Bethea seems tailor-made for Alabama’s high-powered offense. Standing at 6’5”, he brings solid court vision, disrupts passing lanes, defends dribble drives well, and transitions quickly from defense to offense. He’s strong and athletic, able to finish through contact in the paint, and shows real explosiveness attacking the rim.
What really sets Bethea apart, though, is his shooting range and potential. Though his shooting form is unconventional, it’s highly effective—especially from deep wing-slot areas around 25 feet out, where he’s most dangerous. That deep shooting ability forces defenders into tough closeouts, and with his quick release and long frame, he’s often able to get clean looks even against pressure.
https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/1908945019337064582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1908945019337064582%7Ctwgr%5E47c8b3f8b8be312b50306140c22abc12fdeb0b26%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rollbamaroll.com%2F2025%2F4%2F6%2F24402204%2Ffirepower-szn-alabama-adds-five-star-mcdonalds-aa-shooting-guard-jalil-bethea-out-of-the-portal
He does have room to improve his shooting efficiency and turnover numbers, but context matters: Miami’s offense didn’t do its shooters many favors. With little off-ball movement and minimal screen action, Bethea was often left to create in isolation. That’s likely to change at Alabama, where better structure, talent, and coaching should help him flourish.
Expect his shooting percentages to rise and for him to be much more involved in pick-and-roll action. He’s every bit as capable a slasher as Mark Sears was, but with more physicality at the rim—and like Sears, he’s reliable at the free-throw line.
While his 2024 stats (7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists per game) might not jump off the page, Bethea’s upside is undeniable. The Philadelphia native has the tools to thrive in Alabama’s system, especially surrounded by stronger teammates and elite coaching. He may not arrive with the résumé of someone like Chris Youngblood, but with his size and physical style, he’s poised to take on a similar role as a tough, high-impact presence in the Tide’s backcourt.
Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Jalil.
