Last season, the Alabama Crimson Tide reached its first Final Four in program history under head coach Nate Oats’ guidance.
This season, Alabama’s NCAA Tournament journey did not end in the Final Four but in the Elite Eight, after it lost to the Duke Blue Devils 85-65. Alabama is eager to reload its roster through recruiting in the transfer portal.
On Tuesday, On3’s Joe Tipton reported that Alabama was one of the schools separating itself in the recruitment of UAB Blazers transfer Yaxel Lendeborg.
Alabama, the Auburn Tigers, the Kentucky Wildcats, and the Michigan Wolverines are in the running for the talented transfer.
UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3). Chris Jones-Imagn Images
UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3). Chris Jones-Imagn Images Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Lendeborg is the best player and power forward in the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings.
He was UAB’s leading scorer this season, averaging 17.7 points per game. He is also a constant double-double threat, averaging 11.4 rebounds per game.
UAB’s NCAA Tournament hopes rested on the final game of the AAC Tournament. The Blazers faced the Memphis Tigers and lost 84-72, ending their chances of making March Madness.
Since its loss to Duke, Alabama has lost one player to the transfer portal. Small forward Naas Cunningham entered the portal after spending one season with the Crimson Tide.
Alabama has added one player from the portal in former Bucknell center Noah Williamson.
Since taking over at Alabama in the 2019-2020 season, Oats has turned the team into an NCAA Tournament regular. The Crimson Tide has made the tournament in five of the six seasons Oats has been in charge.
Oats has two Sweet 16 appearances, one Elite Eight and one Final Four appearance during his Alabama tenure.
With the NCAA dead period approaching, Alabama will not be able to visit Lendeborg in person from April 3-10. Before deciding to return to college basketball, Lendeborg plans to go through the NBA Draft process.