The transfer portal has swiped its first Alabama basketball player from the Crimson Tide‘s most recent run to the Elite Eight.
Per ESPN‘s Jeff Borzello, freshman Naas Cunningham is parting ways with Alabama after redshirting his rookie season.
Cunningham, a 6-foot-7 wing, was among the ESPN 100 coming out of high school at Southern California Academy. At the time, the West Orange native was heavily recruited by Seton Hall.
The Crimson Tide’s season ended in Prudential Center, the home of the Pirates, at the hands of Duke in the East Region championship.
In the 2024 recruiting class, Cunningham was the 15th-ranked small forward in the nation. For the Rolling Loud in Overtime Elite, he averaged 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Alabama basketball loses first player from Elite Eight run to transfer portal
Last Monday, Cunningham told media that he believed he made the “right decision” to redshirt.
“Obviously, I’m itching to get on the court and play a real game, but it’s worth the wait and I’m excited for next year,” Cunningham said.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball loses first player from Elite Eight run to portal | Report
