Jahvon Quinerly releases statement on decision to transfer from Alabama

Alabama basketball lost another key piece from its roster Sunday as On3’s Joe Tipton reported that guard Jahvon Quinerly entered the transfer portal. Quinerly made an impact off the bench for the Crimson Tide this past season, averaging 8.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

The 6-foot-1 guard spent the past three seasons in Tuscaloosa after beginning his college career at Villanova. Shortly after the reports of his transfer, Quinerly took to Twitter to send a farewell message to his teammates, coaches and Alabama fans.

“I can’t say enough about Alabama basketball,” he began. “My team, the staff and all my Bama fans have been the greatest. You have embraced me and treated me like gold since day one. The relationships I built have gone way beyond basketball and that’s something that has made my decision to enter the transfer portal so difficult for me. My basketball journey has been something that every student athlete could only dream about. It has definitely come with its share of ups and downs, but I was very fortunate to have such a beautiful support system to help me through some of my difficult moments, and I think that’s what’s making this message so emotional but also exciting to share with everyone.”

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— JQ (@RealJahvonQ) June 26, 2023

Quinerly saw a lot of success in his time with the Crimson Tide, winning an SEC Tournament title this past season. He was also named the SEC’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2022-23 and was the SEC Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2021.

That has made the decision to leave difficult, but he explained it’s ultimately what he felt was best.

“Part of my journey is taking risks and following my heart,” he wrote. “Sometimes as time goes on, we know it’s time to move on, take risks and follow our heart. But this is a truly bittersweet moment for me. In my time here, we have set records together, won championships together and we have made program history together. Thank you, Bama Nation. Forever. For everything.”

With the loss of Quinerly, Alabama is now without five of its top six scorers from last season. Crimson Tide stars Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney and Charles Bediako all moved on to the NBA, while guard Jaden Bradley also transferred.

Quinerly also entered the NBA Draft, but later withdrew his name and decided to return to college. He will be a graduate transfer, making him immediately eligible wherever he decides to play next season.