Nate Oats reveals Jaykwon Walton will not be part of program following arrest

Incoming Alabama men’s basketball transfer Jaykwon Walton was arrested on Saturday night, with Ryan Phillips of the Tuscaloosa Patch being the first to report. He was charged with second-degree possession of marijuana after being found in a vehicle with marijuana and “multiple” guns.

Head coach Nate Oats has now commented on the situation, making a decision on Walton’s future with the program. He said the former Wichita State forward will not be enrolling at the University or playing for the Crimson Tide during the 2023-2024 season.

“Alabama is no longer recruiting Jaykwon Walton and he will not be a student-athlete at The University of Alabama,” Oats said via Jeff Goodman of Stadium.

Walton was going to join Alabama via the NCAA transfer portal and had just announced his decision around a month ago. He originally began his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs before transferring to Shelton State in Alabama.

In 28 games with the Shockers last season, Walton averaged 13.9 points and 5.3 assists per game. He excelled from the three-point line, shooting 40% from behind the arc.

Had Walton ever suited up for Alabama, they would have been his fourth school in five years. However, following his arrest in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night, Oats has moved on.

Nate Oats will continue to be active in NCAA transfer portal

Alabama is coming off one of the program’s greatest-ever seasons, earning an SEC regular season and tournament championship. A No. 1 ranking in the AP poll was accomplished along the way as well before being named the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Since then, Oats has seen a ton of roster movement. Players have left not only through the portal but also by declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. Alabama was always going to have to dip into the portal itself in order to build its 2023-2024 season.

The program went on a recent hot streak this past weekend, adding Aaron Astrada from Hofstra and Cal State Fullerton’s Latrell Wrightsell. Walton was expected to be a part of the transfer class but as Oats revealed on Monday night, he will not be joining Astrada and Wrightsell.

Alabama is still waiting on two guards who have entered the draft while maintaining their college eligibility. Both Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears were serious contributors a season ago. They are testing the NBA waters and depending on feedback, could be back in Tuscaloosa.