Alabama ends chase for top Transfer Portal prospect after Philon’s return.

Alabama, led by Nate Oats, was a top contender for USC transfer guard/wing Desmond Claude, one of the premier players in the Transfer Portal. Claude’s scheduled visit to Tuscaloosa was recently postponed and now seems unlikely to occur. With Labaron Philon’s unexpected return to Alabama on Wednesday night, the Crimson Tide have likely ended their pursuit of Claude.

Desmond Claude, who averaged 15.8 points per game last season at USC after two years at Xavier, is a highly sought-after transfer likely commanding significant NIL money. Alabama’s pursuit of Claude appears to have ended following Labaron Philon’s last-minute decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to the Crimson Tide. Philon’s return likely strained Alabama’s remaining NIL budget, making Claude’s addition financially challenging.

With Philon back, Alabama’s guard rotation is stacked, featuring Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell, Jalil Bethea, Houston Mallette, and incoming freshman Davion Hannah. The team is likely set at guard but has one open roster spot after Philon’s return. Ideally, Alabama would target a wing or a hybrid 4/5, with an emergency big man being the most pressing need to bolster frontcourt depth. While minutes on the wing could still be available, the focus may shift to addressing size.

Alabama has previously been linked to Cal State Northridge wing Keonte Jones, though his recruitment has gone quiet, and his eligibility for next season remains uncertain due to a pending waiver. Other options remain in the Transfer Portal, but any addition at this point would be a luxury, as the current 12-man roster is already competitive enough to challenge any team in the country.

Filling all 13 scholarship spots would provide injury insurance, but managing a full roster can be tricky. Last season, Alabama’s 13-man roster led to challenges in keeping everyone satisfied, with three players redshirting. Before Philon’s return, questions lingered about who would step up for the Crimson Tide. Now, with a loaded roster, Nate Oats faces a familiar challenge: balancing minutes to keep his talented lineup content.