“Former FSU Basketball Starter Moves to SEC Powerhouse”

Florida State is undergoing significant changes with Luke Loucks taking over as head coach after 23 years under Leonard Hamilton. This shift has led nine players to enter the transfer portal in search of new opportunities and a better fit.

One of those players is Taylor Bol Bowen, a sophomore forward from Jericho, Vermont. Bowen averaged 8.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 2.5 steals and blocks per game, shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc. Standing at 6’10”, he possesses a unique skill set and became a sought-after player in the transfer portal, scheduling visits with Alabama, Kentucky, SMU, and USC. He has now made his decision to join one of those programs.

Bol Bowen has declared his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide, joining a program that reached the Elite Eight this season and the Final Four last season. Under Nate Oats’ leadership, Alabama has enjoyed significant success, posting an 84-27 record over the past three seasons and capturing both the SEC regular season and tournament titles in 2021 and 2023. If his three-point shooting continues to improve, Bol Bowen should integrate seamlessly into their system.

Bowen has revealed that he will be joining the Alabama Crimson Tide, a team that reached the Elite Eight this season and the Final Four last season. Under Nate Oats, the program has thrived, posting an 84-27 record over the past three years and winning the SEC regular season and tournament titles in both 2021 and 2023. If his three-point shooting remains strong, Bowen is expected to be a great fit in their system.

Florida State likely would have preferred to retain Bol Bowen, given his shooting, defense, and size are difficult to replace. However, they’ve had a solid showing in the transfer portal so far, securing players like Clemson’s Chauncey Wiggins, Jacksonville’s Robert McCray V, St. Bonaventure’s LaJae Jones, and Drexel’s Kobe MaGee.

Bol Bowen, a former four-star recruit, was ranked 73rd overall in the 2023 class according to 247’s composite rankings. He initially chose Florida State over schools like Arkansas, Duke, UConn, and USC. Bowen becomes the second former Seminole to find a new team, following Daquan Davis, who committed to Providence earlier in the week.