In a swift strike to bolster their frontcourt, Alabama basketball has secured the commitment of Noah Williamson, the 7’0″ center and reigning Patriot League Player of the Year from Bucknell University.
The Crimson Tide wasted no time they landed Williamson just 10 days after he entered the transfer portal on March 21, showcasing coach Nate Oats’ aggressive approach in the transfer market.
Crimson Tide Secures Coveted 7’0″ Transfer
The Latvian big man’s decision came quickly following his March 30-31 visit to Tuscaloosa choosing Alabama over interest from basketball powerhouses including Kansas, Louisville and North Carolina.
Williamson becomes the Tide’s first transfer portal acquisition of the 2025 offseason, addressing a critical need in Oats’ roster construction as the team prepares to build upon their recent Elite Eight appearance.
Williamson’s addition comes at a critical juncture as Alabama loses frontcourt starters Cliff Omoruyi and Grant Nelson due to their exhausted eligibility.
The 7’0″ center from Riga, Latvia, transformed from an unranked recruit into an elite talent during his three seasons at Bucknell, culminating in Patriot League Player of the Year honors and First Team All-Patriot League selection.
BREAKING: Alabama has landed the commitment of 7-footer Noah Williamson, a transfer center from Bucknell, sources told @On3sports.
The Patriot League Player of the Year averaged 17.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this season. https://t.co/p9T90mGWWa pic.twitter.com/YpbvpRMiU7
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 1, 2025
His remarkable junior season stats showcase his impact: 17.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 53.8% from the field. Williamson led the Patriot League with nine double-doubles, including a career-high 32 points performance against Southern Indiana.
As Joe Tipton noted, “Alabama lands a big-time addition in Noah Williamson. The 7-footer gives Nate Oats a proven scorer and rebounder in the frontcourt, addressing a glaring need.”
Perfect Fit for Oats’ High-Powered System
What makes Williamson particularly valuable is his compatibility with Alabama’s up-tempo style. The Crimson Tide ranked 8th nationally in pace last season with 71.9 possessions per game and led in the country in 3-point attempts with 32.7 per game.
Williamson’s 31.8% shooting from beyond the arc complements Oats’ spacing philosophy while providing Alabama with another shooting option from unexpected positions.
An X user described him as “a seven-foot Swiss Army knife,” noting his multifaceted impact on both ends of the court. Another added that his “bruiser” style offers a safety valve when perimeter shots aren’t falling. This versatility addresses a key weakness Alabama faced during crucial moments of the 2024-25 season when outside shooting went cold.
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive across social media platforms. One enthusiastic X user exclaimed, “Noah Williamson to Bama is HUGE. 7 footer who can shoot and rebound? Oats is cooking something special for next year!”
Another fan noted, “Oats didn’t waste a second after Duke. Williamson’s stats are legit 17 and 7 with blocks? That’s what we’ve been missing when the shots don’t drop.”
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With Williamson joining returners like Aiden Sherrell (6’10”) and Jarin Stevenson (6’11”), Alabama could deploy a “twin towers” lineup that blends size with spacing. This balanced approach might be exactly what the Crimson Tide needs to build on their 2025 Elite Eight run and push even deeper in the NCAA Tournament next season.
As the transfer portal remains open until April 22, fans eagerly await Oats’ next move in reshaping a roster primed for championship contention.
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