Aiden Sherrell: Three Thoughts on Alabama's Latest Commitment

Nate Oats got his man on Tuesday when four-star center Aiden Sherrell committed to Alabama. This gives the Crimson Tide their first commitment of the 2024 class.

This comes on top of a four-man 2023 class that ranked No. 13 in the On3 Team Recruiting Rankings. That class included four-star recruits PF Jarin Stevenson, PF Sam Walters, SF Kris Parker, and SF Mouhamed Dioubate.

Alabama is coming off a big season that saw them put two one-and-done players – Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney – in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft and win the SEC with an overall 31-6 record.

Let’s discuss what getting Aiden Sherrell means for Alabama.

Who is Aiden Sherrell?

Aiden Sherrell is a 6-foot-11, 220-pound center, ranked as On3’s No. 14 overall player in the class. Throughout his process, along with Alabama, Sherrell took official visits to Michigan State, Ohio State, UNLV, and Oklahoma.

Sherrell averaged 14.5 points and 5.8 rebounds for a Vegas Elite team that made it to the finals of Nike’s Peach Jam this summer. He also shot 62.2 percent from the field. The four-star transferred to play at Napa (CA) Prolific Prep for his senior season.

“I’m versatile on the floor,” Sherrell said. “I can dribble the ball up the court, shoot the ball, go to the rim. I’m a playmaker for my size. I watch a lot of Anthony Davis; he’s a versatile player who affects the game on both ends.”

What does he bring to Alabama?

Immediately, you see the size and the length that Aiden Sherrell brings to the table. He is built like a basketball player. Once the ball tips, you see a world of possibilities with his natural athleticism, fluidity, and his touch.

Sherrell is a fluid big man; he moves in a way that is unique to many his size. He is able to move his feet laterally, as well as flip his hips and switch positioning. This leads to upside on the defensive end. While still raw, he uses his length and size to be a presence at the rim. As he continues to grow and consistently pays more attention to that side of the floor, there are obvious tools in play.

Offensively, Sherrell brings a lot of versatility. He is comfortable on the block, scoring over either shoulder, and as the summer continued, he showed more comfort with his footwork and ability to feel the defense and use a counter. The touch is a takeaway. He shot close to 80 percent from the free-throw line during Peach Jam. He is comfortable stepping out in trail or pick-and-pop situations to knock down a spot three and has shown capable of doing so in game. 

Again, Sherrell is still raw. However, in a best-case scenario, the tools that he possesses fit the archetype of a player who has seen success at the highest level.

How does Sherrell fit in the lineup?

Nate Oats has made recruiting high school players a priority. Last year’s four-man class, as well as the number of players he has visiting for the 2024 class, say as much. Oats uses a four and five-out type offense that relies on spacing and players’ ability to shoot the ball.

The 2023 class brought in four forwards who each have length and versatility. Sherrell continues that trend while not clogging up playing rotations, having good size and length, and having the ability to do multiple things on the court. 

A quick look at the current Alabama roster shows that Nick Pringle, Mohamed Wague, and Grant Nelson each have one year of eligibility left after this season. Outside of those three, there are no other fives on the current roster. 

Sherrell’s upside is hard to ignore at this current stage. 

What Sherrell said about Alabama

“They produce guys who are long and lengthy, guys like me who are very versatile. The relationship with the coaching staff is what brought me out there. I have built a great relationship with all those guys. When I got out there, I got to see the environment. The intensity of their practices is high, and that is why they are so productive right now.”

“Even after losing all of their assistants, the new coaches got right on me. I definitely see that and appreciate that for sure.”