Who is Nate Oats and his staff targeting on the recruiting trail in 2020 and 2021?
University of Alabama men's basketball head coach Nate Oats and his staff are gearing up to make some splashes on the recruiting trail for the Crimson Tide's signing classes of 2020 and 2021.
Oats took over the Crimson Tide program in March and before he could recruit anyone outside of Tuscaloosa he had to convince some current players to stay, including guards Kira Lewis Jr. and John Petty Jr.
The first-year coach's ability to persuade players to remove their names from NCAA transfer portal and buy into his new, fast-paced, and high intensity program was impressive.
In the meantime, Oats was also able to land commitments from 3-star center Raymond Hawkins, former 5-star prospect and Villanova transfer Jahvon Quinerly, and West Virginia transfer James Bolden to solidify his roster for the 2019-2020 campaign.
As the current roster is primarily filled with players from the Avery Johnson era, Oats' first two signing classes will be pivotal for his initial success in the Southeastern Conference.
Here is a look at the Crimson Tide's top targets for the 2020 and 2021 recruiting classes:
Alabama's 2020 key targets:
5-star G Nimari Burnett (Prolific Prep - Chicago, IL)
According to the ESPN100 rankings, Burnett is the highest rated player in the state of Illinois and the 19th-best player in the nation. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, Burnett can use his big body to bully defenders into the lane in order to attack the basket. Burnett has a sweet stroke from deep, but also has the court vision and high IQ to find the open man around him. The Chicago native took an official visit to Tuscaloosa last weekend and has Alabama in his final four schools, joining Oregon, Michigan and 2019 NCAA national runner-up Texas Tech.
5-star F Isaiah Jackson (Waterford Mott - Waterford, MI)
Jackson's calling card comes on defense and as an elite shot blocker thanks to his 6-foot-9 frame. The Detroit native is more than capable of shooting from 3-point range and finishing at the rim. The 247sports Composite rankings tabs Jackson as the 25th best player in the nation and the top-ranked prospect in the Great Lake State. Jackson's official visit to Tuscaloosa is set for the weekend of October 25th-27th. Oats will have to fend off Kentucky and Syracuse to land Jackson's services next year.
4-star F Keon Ambrose-Hylton (Andrews Osborne Academy - Toronto, ON)
Ambrose-Hylto is joining Jackson on an official visit at the end of the month. He checks in at 6 foot 8 and 200 pounds. His size, length, and athleticism allows him to stretch the floor as a power forward who can shoot and get up and down the court quickly. Ambrose-Hylton currently has a consensus ranking as the 78th best player in the Class of 2020. The Canadian has narrowed his college decision down to five schools: Alabama, Dayton, North Carolina State, Arkansas, and Southern California.
4-star F Josh Hall (Moravian Prep - Durham, NC)
For a forward, the six-foot-9, 190 pound Hall can handle the ball well. The Durham native has unlimited range from deep and can drive the lane. His pro comparison is former UConn star and current San Antonio Spur Rudy Gay. Hall holds a consensus ranking of being the 41st best player in the nation. Last week, he announced his final 12 schools and the Alabama made the cut, along with Georgetown, LSU, DePaul, N.C. State, Georgia, Florida State, Arkansas, Texas, Pitt, Western Kentucky, and Louisville.
Alabama's 2021 key targets:
4-star G Jerdarrian Davison (Calhoun School - Letohatchee, AL)
Davison and his playing style have been compared to recent Crimson Tide star and current Cleveland Cavalier guard Collin Sexton. For Oats to build one of the premier programs in college basketball it starts at home in the state. According to the ESPN100 and 247Sports composite rankings, Davison is the No. 1 player in the state. Auburn and Memphis are two schools that the Crimson Tide has to worry about in order to land Davison.
4-star G Daeshun Ruffin (Callaway - Jackson, MS)
Ruffin was the latest 2021 prospect to take an official visit Tuscaloosa this past weekend. The Magnolia State's top-ranked player was previously committed to Auburn before he de-committed back in June. The 5-foot-9, shifty point guard is a prolific scorer and has put up multiple 50-plus point performances in the AAU circuit. Auburn could still be in the mix for Ruffin, but it will likely come down to Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU, or Alabama.
