In the span of just two days, Nate Oats and staff have managed to obtain commitments from two major names to add to the 21-22 Alabama team roster. The first comes in the form of 6’10 Canadian C Charles Bediako. Bediako always hovered between the 4 and 5 star lines but ultimately the rating didn’t matter. Bediako chose the Tide over the likes of Michigan, Duke, Ohio State and Texas. That alone is enough to understand just how valuable the commitment is. Bediako brings a freakishly athletic presence to the post for Alabama as well as a shot blocking presence that the Tide desperately needed during its recent Sweet 16 run. Bediako runs the floor well and has a high motor. Look for him to instantly contend for minutes the moment he dons the Crimson Tide uniform.
Just today Alabama received a commitment from former 5 star McDonald’s All American Nimari Burnett. Alabama was considered a heavy favorite for Burnett last season before he chose to take his talents to Lubbock at the 11th hour. There he averaged about 6 PPG and struggled to find a role in Chris Beard’s offense. However, Burnett did manage to play impressive defense and show an uncanny ability to get to the free throw line in spurts while converting nearly 90% of his attempts. The 6’5 combo guard will continue to get stronger in Tuscaloosa and that should translate to success in the lane and the FT line. Alabama fans should be most excited to see him play defense in my opinion. He has the same shutdown ability of someone like Keon Ellis.
Burnett’s selection puts Alabama one over the scholarship limit and speculation runs amok about the ramifications. There are many possibilities such as Quinerly declaring for the draft (though he adamantly denied that possibility via his Twitter feed), a transfer of a player such as Rojas, Wilson or Keon Ambrose-Hylton has been mentioned- as has a redshirt for Jusaun Holt or an incoming player being granted a release though nothing should be taken as fact. The announcement of Noah Gurley could throw yet another wrinkle into that fold as Alabama is HEAVILY in the mix for the talented F. Gurley plans to make his announcement this coming Sunday.
