Alabama Lands Major Commitment from Former Five-Star Jalil Bethea
The University of Alabama men’s basketball program continues to thrive on the recruiting front, making a splash in the NCAA transfer portal following its second consecutive run to the Elite Eight. The latest addition to the Crimson Tide roster is former Miami Hurricanes guard Jalil Bethea, a highly sought-after player with top-tier credentials.
As reported by Joe Tipton of On3 Sports, Bethea has officially chosen Alabama as his next destination, spurning offers from Kansas State, NC State, and a possible return to Miami. This marks the third successful transfer pickup for Alabama in the current cycle, as the program builds a strong foundation for the 2025-2026 season.
Bethea, a 6-foot-5, 190-pound shooting guard, brings a dynamic skill set and significant experience to Tuscaloosa. Coming out of high school in Warminster, Pennsylvania, he was widely regarded as one of the top players in the nation. A consensus five-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, Bethea ranked among the top 10 players nationally and had numerous high-profile programs vying for his commitment.
His high school career was nothing short of impressive. As a junior, he averaged 23.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, earning him MVP honors in the highly competitive Philadelphia Catholic League. His scoring ability, court vision, and rebounding skills made him a standout player and caught the attention of elite college programs. Initially, Bethea committed to Miami over other major programs such as Kansas, Alabama, and Villanova.
During his freshman season with the Hurricanes, Bethea played in 31 games and started in 16 of them. While adjusting to the college game, he posted averages of 7.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He shot 36.8% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc, showing flashes of the potential that made him a five-star recruit.
One of his standout performances came against Syracuse on February 11. In that game, Bethea exploded for 21 points and grabbed six rebounds, helping lead the Hurricanes to a 91-84 win. It was a glimpse of what he’s capable of when he’s playing with confidence and rhythm.
Now, Bethea is taking his talents to Alabama, joining a program that has quickly become a major force in college basketball under head coach Nate Oats. His decision to transfer to Alabama underscores the program’s growing reputation as a destination for elite players, especially those looking for both development and national exposure.
Bethea is not the only new face joining the Crimson Tide. He becomes the third player to transfer to Alabama this offseason. He joins Noah Williamson, a transfer from Bucknell, and Taylor Bol Bowen, who arrives from Florida State. These additions highlight Alabama’s aggressive approach in the transfer portal, seeking to build a balanced and competitive roster filled with experience and young talent.
As it stands, Alabama’s roster for the 2025-2026 season is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most versatile in the country. The current lineup includes both returning players and a strong group of incoming talent:
Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
Houston Mallette
Aden Holloway
Labaron Philon
Derrion Reid
Jarin Stevenson
Aiden Sherrell
Davion Hannah
London Jemison
Amari Allen
Noah Williamson
Taylor Bol Bowen
Jalil Bethea
Among them are incoming freshmen like Hannah, Jemison, Allen, and Sherrell, alongside key transfers and experienced returnees.
One of the biggest developments helping Alabama maintain a strong roster is the support from its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective, Yea Alabama. Through this collective, the program has been able to retain key players by providing them with valuable NIL opportunities. Players such as Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Houston Mallette, and Aiden Sherrell have already confirmed their return to Tuscaloosa for next season.
However, the status of several other key players remains uncertain. Labaron Philon, Derrion Reid, and Jarin Stevenson have yet to announce their decisions. Each of them has multiple options on the table: declare for the NBA Draft, explore other transfer opportunities, or stay with Alabama for another year. Their decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s potential for next season.
If all three return, Alabama could find itself among the favorites to make another deep NCAA tournament run. Their blend of experienced returners, promising newcomers, and high-profile transfers like Bethea could make them one of the most formidable teams in college basketball.
With Bethea now officially on board, the excitement in Tuscaloosa is palpable. Alabama fans have grown accustomed to seeing their basketball program compete at a high level, and this latest commitment is yet another step toward sustaining that success. Bethea’s talent, combined with Alabama’s player development and up-tempo system, could make for a breakout season in his sophomore year.
The coming months will be pivotal as the rest of the roster solidifies and summer workouts begin. With a strong recruiting class, valuable transfers, and a solid core of returnees, Alabama is poised to once again be a major player on the national stage.
