Alabama Freshman Forward Enters Transfer Portal

The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program is undergoing a significant offseason shake-up following the news that freshman forward Malik Spencer has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The 6-foot-8, 215-pound wing from Georgia, who joined Alabama as part of its 2024 recruiting class, will now explore opportunities elsewhere after a season that showed glimpses of promise but lacked consistent playing time.

The move comes amid a flurry of transfer portal activity across college basketball, as players and programs alike navigate an increasingly fluid offseason landscape. For Alabama, Spencer’s departure marks the first major roster exit of the spring and could foreshadow further changes as head coach Nate Oats looks to retool his squad for another deep NCAA Tournament run in 2025.

A Talented Prospect

Spencer arrived in Tuscaloosa as a four-star recruit out of Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia. Known for his athleticism, rebounding ability, and defensive versatility, he was expected to compete for minutes in a crowded Alabama frontcourt that featured veteran players and fellow highly-touted freshmen.

Despite limited action, Spencer flashed potential in his first year with the Crimson Tide. He appeared in 18 games, averaging 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in just under 10 minutes per game. His best performance came in a December non-conference game against South Alabama, where he scored 12 points, pulled down six rebounds, and blocked two shots in 18 minutes of play.

“Malik is a high-energy guy who brought a lot to practice every day,” said Alabama assistant coach Antoine Pettway. “We saw growth from him throughout the season, and while he didn’t get a lot of minutes, he was a great teammate.”

But as Alabama’s rotation tightened down the stretch of the season, Spencer’s role diminished. He logged fewer than five minutes in each of the Crimson Tide’s final seven games and was inactive for two of their three NCAA Tournament contests. With the writing on the wall, a transfer became an increasingly likely scenario.

The Decision to Move On

In a statement posted to social media, Spencer thanked Alabama’s coaching staff, teammates, and fans for their support but said he felt it was time for a fresh start.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Crimson Tide family,” Spencer wrote. “I’ve learned so much in my time here, but after talking with my family and evaluating my future, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal and look for a new opportunity that allows me to grow both as a player and as a person.”

Sources close to the program indicate that Spencer is looking for a school where he can step into a larger role immediately. Multiple mid-major programs and a handful of Power Five schools are expected to express interest, given his size, upside, and remaining eligibility.

Alabama’s Roster Outlook

Spencer’s exit leaves Alabama with one fewer option in the frontcourt, but the Crimson Tide still boast a deep and talented roster. Much will depend on the NBA Draft decisions of stars like Mark Sears and Grant Nelson, as well as whether senior forward Nick Pringle returns for another year or tests professional waters.

Coach Oats has already been active in the transfer portal, hosting visits from several high-profile players, including former Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler and Saint Mary’s star guard Aidan Mahaney. The staff is clearly intent on replenishing and possibly upgrading its roster to remain competitive in the increasingly stacked SEC.

“We’re always going to support our guys and help them find what’s best for them,” Oats said in a recent radio interview. “At the same time, we’re constantly evaluating how to build the best team possible for next season. The portal gives and it takes, so we’re prepared to be aggressive in both directions.”

Alabama is also bringing in a strong 2025 recruiting class, led by five-star shooting guard Jalen Thompson and four-star forward Jamari Davis. That incoming talent likely played a role in Spencer’s decision, as competition for minutes was set to intensify.

The Broader Trend

Spencer’s move is part of a much larger trend sweeping across college basketball, where more than 1,400 players have already entered the transfer portal this spring. The advent of the one-time transfer rule and changes to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies have accelerated roster turnover and made continuity more elusive than ever before.

For young players like Spencer, the portal offers a chance to reset their trajectory and find a better fit. But it also comes with risk. According to NCAA data, nearly 40% of players who enter the portal each year fail to find a new home or wind up in a less competitive situation.

“You have to be really smart about these decisions,” said one anonymous SEC assistant coach. “There are a lot of players out there, and not everyone lands where they hope. But for guys like Malik with size and athleticism, there will be suitors.”

What’s Next for Spencer

While Spencer has not named any specific programs he’s considering, sources indicate that schools in the American Athletic Conference, Atlantic 10, and Big East are likely to reach out. He could also be a candidate to return closer to home, with Georgia State and Georgia Tech among the programs potentially interested.

A fresh environment, with more consistent minutes and a defined role, could be exactly what Spencer needs to unlock his full potential. At Alabama, he was often the fourth or fifth option off the bench. In a different system, he could become a focal point.

“Malik is a great kid with a strong work ethic,” said a former high school coach. “He just needs the right opportunity to show what he can really do. Don’t be surprised if he breaks out in a big way next season.”

Conclusion

Malik Spencer’s departure may not make national headlines, but it underscores the constant churn of today’s college basketball world. For Alabama, it’s an opportunity to recalibrate and build toward another successful season. For Spencer, it’s a chance to reset, refocus, and rise.

The Crimson Tide will move forward, as they always do, with eyes on the next championship. And for Spencer, a new chapter awaits—one that could ultimately define the kind of college career he’s capable of having.

One thing’s for sure: both sides will be watching, and wishing, for the best.

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Quick Profile: Malik Spencer

• Height: 6’8″
• Weight: 215 lbs
• Position: Forward
• Hometown: Mableton, Georgia
• High School: Pebblebrook HS
• 2024 Stats: 3.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 18 GP
• Top Game: 12 points, 6 rebounds vs. South Alabama

Alabama 2025 Recruiting Class

• Jalen Thompson, SG, 5-star
• Jamari Davis, PF, 4-star
• Tre Holloway, PG, 3-star
• Andre Maddox, C, 3-star

Potential Incoming Transfers (Targets)

• Jaxon Kohler, F, Michigan State
• Aidan Mahaney, G, Saint Mary’s
• Kylan Boswell, PG, Arizona

As Alabama reshapes its identity for next season, one thing remains constant: the Tide rolls on.