Alabama transfer Kris Parker explains decision to enter the portal

One day after reports emerged that Alabama‘s Kris Parker planned to enter the NCAA transfer portal, the forward announced his intentions to do just that.

Parker posted a short note to his Instagram account expressing his appreciation for what he learned with the Crimson Tide.

“After much consideration, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal and explore other opportunities,” Kris Parker wrote. “This year I learned and improved more than imaginable and for that I am extremely grateful to the Alabama staff, fans and community. The memories shared this year and Final Four run that was made is something I will always cherish forever. Thank you, and Roll Tide.”

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Parker redshirted for Alabama during the 2023-24 season. He will have four years eligibility at his next program.

“With all that being said, next season I look forward to playing and carrying the winning mentality to my next program,” Parker wrote.

Kris Parker was a four-star recruit rated just outside the top 100 by On3 in the 2023 cycle. On3’s Industry Rankings had him as the No. 108 overall player in the class, as well as the No. 28 small forward and the No. 10 prospect out of Florida for his year.

He attended Crossroad Academy in Quincy, Florida as a high schooler before deciding to take his talents slightly north and join Nate Oats at Alabama.

Nate Oats stays at Alabama despite Kentucky interest

Alabama fans can rest assured that Nate Oats isn’t leaving Tuscaloosa after his announcement on Monday. However, that isn’t due to a lack of interest in the open Kentucky job.

According to the Athletic’s Kyle Tucker, Oats had “serious interest” in the Kentucky job. Tucker reports that Oats has a good thing going at Alabama, and some of the Crimson Tide’s “boosters stepped up in a big way to make sure he need not look elsewhere.”

After it was revealed that Arkansas was closing in on signing Kentucky’s John Calipari to a five-year contract, Oats’ name was one of the names on every fan’s list to be Calipari’s successor. However, that’s no longer the case and Oats is set to remain in Tuscaloosa for the foreseeable future.

Oats confirmed that he’s staying put shortly before the national championship game tipped off on Monday night.

“I am fully committed to this team and to this University,” Oats wrote. “We have already accomplished some great things here, and there is nothing I want more than for The University of Alabama to win its first national championship in men’s basketball. Despite any rumors to the contrary, rest assured that I will continue that pursuit as your head coach.

Athletic director Greg Byrne effectively ended all rumors with a follow-up statement as well.

“We’re committed to supporting Nate Oats as he continues to lead Alabama men’s basketball in its pursuit of a national championship and encourage our fans to be a part of that by supporting Yea Alabama,” Byrne’s statement read. “I know I’ve said this before but want to reiterate how important this is with the changing landscape in college athletics.

“Nate and I talk regularly about the priorities of the program and NIL is at the forefront, as is a day-to-day development space for our team, which we are taking steps to address as we speak. We appreciate your support through Year Alabama and look forward to celebrating more championships in the year to come.”

On3’s Alex Weber also contributed to this report.