Alabama secured a major win on the recruiting trail on Jan. 28 when Qayden Samuels, a highly-touted high school prospect, announced his intention to play for head coach Nate Oats next season.
Samuels, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound wing, is ranked as a composite five-star recruit in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. He plays for Bishop McNamara High School in District Heights, Maryland, and was a 2026 McDonald’s All-American nominee.
Samuels collected offers from blue blood programs like UConn, North Carolina and Kentucky throughout his recruitment, but he only took official visits to Alabama and Georgetown in the fall. While he waited until Jan. 28 to announce his college decision, it was confirmed that the Maryland native signed with the Crimson Tide in November.
“We are elated to sign one of the most sought-after players in the country,” Oats said of Samuels.
The name of the game for Alabama’s newest signee is scoring, which explains Oats’ excitement. As a long, athletic lefty, Samuels put up massive numbers on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League circuit this past summer, averaging 20 PPG and 9.6 RPG against nationally-elite competition.
Not only did he post big scoring totals, but he did so efficiently, shooting an impressive 45% from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc. His natural strength and aggression allows him to get downhill and attack the rim with ease, and his high release point lets him get his shot off with minimal separation in both catch and shoot and off the dribble situations.
An additional hallmark of Samuels’ offensive skillset is his ability to score off of ball-screen action, which is a staple of any Nate Oats offense. In EYBL play, he scored at an elite 1.23 points per possession in those situations, which ranked in the 98th percentile across all players.
In an offensive system predicated on guards and wings using ball-screens to attack the rim and create open looks on the perimeter, Samuels projects as an immediate impact addition. He will need to become a more willing passer and consistent defender at the next level, which he has all the tools for thanks to his 6-foot-11 wingspan and quality athleticism.
With the likely departures of Labaron Philon, Latrell Wrightsell, Houston Mallette and Amari Allen following this season, Samuels will serve as a crucial piece to retooling what has been one of the best backcourts in college basketball.
