Alabama forward Naas Cunningham plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal

Alabama forward Naas Cunningham plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. Cunningham spent one season with the program but did not see any playing time. After taking a redshirt, there will be four years of eligibility at Cunningham’s next spot.

“He’s a great kid, I love him,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said of Cunningham back in early February. “His teammates love him. Just to get him to get stronger, more consistent with his – his upside’s got to show up a lot more consistently.”

Oats announced Cunningham was going to redshirt before the season began. As Alabama entered SEC play, questions about his progress were asked. Being able to gain weight was something Oats highlighted after going through an injury and getting sick.

The potential to be an NBA player is still there according to Oats. Unfortunately, Cunningham will seek to continue his development elsewhere.

Cunningham played high school basketball at Southern California Academy, where he was a four-star prospect, but is originally from West Orange, NJ. He was the No. 48 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

“Naas Cunningham is a long, rangy, and athletic wing prospect,” On3’s Jamie Shaw said in Cunningham’s scouting report. “You first notice the frame; he looks like a basketball player. Offensively, Cunningham is adept at shot-making, extending out to three, off the catch. He will need to continue putting on weight and getting stronger. He is an explosive athlete, which he shows in transition. His length, positional size, and quick-twitch athleticism give the belief he can become a good team defender in time.

“Would like to see him attack the basket more, his tendency to settle for jump shots render him inefficient and ineffective at times, but he does have the ability to create space and knock down shots. While the tools are obvious, he disappears for long stretches, often. His flashes will need to start turning into consistency and production, but his flashes can be impressive, and his upside is high.”

Alabama recruited Cunningham as a part of a four-member class, one that finished ranked No. 3 per the On3 Industry Team Rankings. The other three freshmen have all played a role in the Crimson Tide’s 2025 season at one point.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.