Alabama 5-star freshman Derrion Reid will enter the transfer portal.
Reid’s journey to Alabama was marked by exceptional achievements. Hailing from Grovetown, Georgia, he initially played for Grovetown High School before transferring to Prolific Prep in Napa, California, for his senior year. During his time with Team Thad on the Nike EYBL Circuit, he averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility. His standout performances included six games where he scored 20 points or more, underscoring his offensive prowess. ​WAAY 31 News+5Wikipedia+5Alabama Athletics+5Alabama Athletics+2Alabama Athletics+2Alabama Athletics+2
Reid’s talent was further recognized when he was named a 2024 McDonald’s All-American and earned a spot on the Naismith All-America Honorable Mention Team. Additionally, he represented the United States in the 2024 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup, where he averaged 10.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, contributing to Team USA’s gold medal victory. ​Wikipedia+2Alabama Athletics+2Alabama Athletics+2BVM Sports+4WAKA 8+4WAAY 31 News+4
Transition to Alabama
Reid committed to Alabama as part of a highly ranked 2024 recruiting class. Head coach Nate Oats lauded Reid’s versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability, highlighting his potential to make an immediate impact. Upon joining the Crimson Tide, Reid was anticipated to be a key contributor, with projections placing him as a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. ​Alabama Athletics+1alabama.rivals.com+1Roll Tide Wire+2BVM Sports+2Roll Tide Wire+2
Freshman Season at Alabama
During the 2024–25 season, Reid played in 15 games, starting three. He averaged 8.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game over 17.6 minutes, shooting 45.7% from the field and 28.1% from three-point range. Despite these solid statistics, Reid faced challenges in securing consistent playing time. He missed several games due to injury, which impacted his ability to find a rhythm on the court. ​Alabama Athleticsalabama.rivals.com
Reasons for Entering the Transfer Portal
While specific reasons for Reid’s decision to enter the transfer portal have not been publicly disclosed, several factors may have influenced his choice:​
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Playing Time: Despite his high school accolades, Reid’s role at Alabama was limited, potentially affecting his development and exposure.​
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Injury Concerns: Reid’s missed games due to injury may have hindered his ability to showcase his full potential.​
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Development Opportunities: Seeking a program that aligns more closely with his playing style and offers greater opportunities for growth could be a motivating factor.​
Future Outlook
Reid’s entry into the transfer portal opens up new possibilities for his collegiate career. Given his previous accolades and potential, he is likely to attract interest from various programs seeking to bolster their rosters. His decision will be pivotal in shaping the next phase of his basketball journey.
