With the new launch of Recruiting Projections here at Crimson Crossover, I have decided to kick things off by logging a projection for Alabama's top remaining target Charles Bediako.
I have projected Alabama to land Charles Bediako with a confidence level of 80%. I don't think this is a completely done deal yet which is why I have not logged it as a 100% lock at this point. I do think Alabama is the heavy favorite which is why you have seen plenty of Crystal Balls and FutureCasts on 247sports and Rivals. I could see a commitment timeline around the turn of the new year for Bediako which is what I am currently being told on that front. Alabama has strong ties with Bediako with already having two of his former teammates on the roster in Keon Amrbose-Hylton and Josh Primo. Not only that, but there is an opportunity for Bediako to have a plethora of instant minutes with there being a hole at the 5 next year. Coach Bryan Hodgson has been the lead here and, as always, has put Alabama in a great position to land the 5-star center. This is something to continue to follow and I will continue to update this board and my projection as more intel comes in over the coming weeks.
UPDATE BELOW: I have now updated my prediction to undecided. Tim Watts of BamaOnline first reported this afternoon that Alabama was trending away as the destination to land Charles Bediako. After seeing this initial report (Tim is the best in the business, so I knew it was true once reading his words) I reached out to a few sources familiar with his recruitment who confirmed this information. This is not to say that Alabama is out of this recruitment or that they no longer “lead” and there is still time to go and if Alabama wants to make up ground in this they still can, but concern about the fit in Alabama’s style is the driving force behind why Alabama’s presumed lead in the recruitment may be shrinking/gone. Two schools to watch closely here are Texas and Ohio State. Michigan is also still in play despite having Hunter Dickinson on the roster already and having Moussa Diabate committed already. Texas has been on Bediako hard for quite some time and has had luck with sending bigs similar to Bediako to the pro ranks.
All eyes now for Alabama, should Bediako go elsewhere, more than likely turn to the transfer portal this spring to fill the hole at big man that will be left with the departures of Alex Reese and Jordan Bruner. Alabama still has Alex Tchikou who will get to play a significant role as of now with the lack of bigs on next year's roster. Another possibility could be a 2022 reclassification, but I have not been told any specific names to watch here. There are two needs for Alabama to address before next season which would be another guard who can handle the ball and can shoot the 3 at a high level and to land a big man who can help with rebounding and protecting the rim (a 3 ball would be icing on the cake). I imagine Alabama will be a hot name in transfer portal recruiting this spring and recruiting will begin to pick back up once the season has ended. Be sure to check in here at Crimson Crossover for recruiting updates and we will be sure to keep you posted as often as we can.
Like your optimism
If you are taking anything what CC saying about recruiting as legit. You're in trouble! This got to be the funniest sports editorial in the last 20 years! I think they are either current Bama students or just some fans that decided to make a basketball site!
I'll be honest I was getting concerned on rather Bediako would come after seeing how Bruner and Reese play. I know neither game is like Bediako's, but there should be concern if the 5 doesn't have plays called for him on the block or if he's utilized real heavy in the pick and roll play.