As part of the Tide’s continuing evolution towards a more balanced roster, Nate Oats reeled in a tremendous transfer today with the signing of the WAC freshman of the year, Keitenn Bristow from Tarleton State.
The 6’8” swingman was one of the bright spots for TSU this season. He runs the floor well, is a very active defensive rebounder, outplays his size defending the rim, and doesn’t have too bad of a stroke for a bigger player. What is striking about his game is how well he both moves without the ball, and his ability to put the ball on the floor and create his own shot.
Last season we lamented that the Tide didn’t have a Chaney Johnson-type player who could bridge the bigs and the shooters. Consider that position filled, and Bristow’s commitment is quietly one of the best pickups of the portal season for a Tide team looking to score at all three levels. Just as importantly, it is an Alabama team that had to improve its defense from the outside-in, as far too many forwards had big nights last year driving into the lane.
Just as Houston Mallette is the tweener type who spans the divide between wings and guards, Bristow bridges the gap beween wings and bigs, and he has the potential to be a hella’ important player opening up the court in all sorts of ways, while also providing backside help and mid-court shot defense.
Welcome to the Capstone, Keitenn
Roll Tide
