UPDATE: In a stunning move for college basketball, top-35 wing Tarris Bouie has officially committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide just hours ago, marking their second top-50 recruit this week. Bouie’s announcement comes on the heels of Chris Washington Jr. selecting Alabama only two days prior, solidifying the Crimson Tide’s impressive recruiting momentum.
Both players visited Tuscaloosa last weekend, and their swift commitments highlight Alabama’s rising status in the college basketball landscape under head coach Nate Oats. Bouie expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Coach Oats recruited me hard, and I really like their style of play,” during an interview with ESPN. His excitement is palpable, as he recalls Oats’ presence at nearly all of his summer games—a testament to the dedicated recruitment that sealed his decision.
Bouie, ranked as the No. 33 player in the ESPN 100, had narrowed his choices to Alabama, along with Cincinnati, Georgetown, Marquette, Mississippi State, NC State, Ole Miss, and Texas. However, after a single trip to Alabama, he made the pivotal choice without further visits. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged an impressive 15.5 points and 6.0 rebounds during the Nike EYBL circuit this past spring and summer, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility.
His commitment adds to a promising 2026 recruitment class for Alabama, which also includes Washington, a 6-foot-9 forward who ranks No. 41 overall in the ESPN 100. Washington, considered one of the elite athletes in the country, had planned multiple visits but ultimately committed to Alabama without exploring other options.
Alabama’s recruiting strategy has proven effective, as they are currently one of only two programs with multiple top-50 commitments in the 2026 cycle. As excitement builds, the Crimson Tide are set to welcome several more elite prospects in the coming days, including top-15 talents Caleb Holt, Dylan Mingo, and Jaxon Richardson.
The implications of Bouie’s commitment are significant. His ability to score from all levels, combined with defensive potential and athleticism, positions him as an immediate impact player. Oats has noted the importance of strong relationships in recruiting, and Bouie’s connection with both Oats and assistant coach Preston Murphy—who has been hailed as the “best recruiter in the country”—was crucial in his decision.
As Alabama basketball continues to make headlines, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this influx of talent will impact their performance in upcoming seasons. With a robust recruiting class forming, the Crimson Tide is poised for potential greatness on the court.
Stay tuned for more updates as Alabama’s recruiting efforts unfold and as we follow the developments leading into the next critical weekends for college basketball recruitment. The future is bright for Crimson Tide fans!
