Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White


Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Three signees join Tide basketball team

The Alabama men’s basketball team received National Letters of Intents from three student athletes Wednesday during the first day of the early signing period.

Point guard Justin Coleman (Birmingham/Wenonah), shooting guard Devin Mitchell (Suwanee, Ga./Collins Hills) and small forward Riley Norris (Albertville, Ala./Albertville) will join the Crimson Tide for the 2014-15 season.

“Really excited about the three young men that we got signed today,” Anthony Grant said. “We feel like they’ll be great fits into our program, just high -character kids.”

All three players were top-100 recruits nationally and bolted Alabama to the No. 21 class, according to 247Sports.

Coleman and Norris are residents of Alabama and are the two highest-rated players in the state. Mitchell is the second rated player in the state of Georgia.

Staying close to home was important for all three players.

“These were family decisions,” Grant said. “You’re talking about in all three being one to three hours away from our campus where their family and friends will have a chance to follow their careers.”

Coleman, 5 feet 10 inches and 160 pounds, is the No. 43 prospect in the nation, the No. 9 point guard and the No. 1 player in Alabama, according to 247Sports.

“There is no other place like The University of Alabama,” Coleman said. “I am excited to get there and most excited about the players I will be playing alongside. I am looking forward to helping take the program to the next level under coach Grant.”

Mitchell, 6 feet 4 inches and 175 pounds, is the No. 57 overall player in the country and the No. 13 shooting guard.

“I can’t wait to start going to school there, and I am really looking forward to playing with the guys on the team and for the coaching staff,” Mitchell said. “Coach Grant is a great coach and has the program on the rise. I am looking forward to being a part of the success of coach Grant and Alabama basketball.”

Norris, 6 feet 7 inches and 190 pounds, is the No. 76 player in the nation and the No. 18 small forward.

“Alabama was a good fit for me,” Norris said. “I think coach Grant and the rest of the staff will do a great job developing me as a person and a player. The academic side was also an important aspect for me. The better I can do off the court, the better my future will be once the ball stops bouncing. I am excited to be a part of The University of Alabama and the basketball team.”

Grant said the Crimson Tide is likely finished for the early signing period but will keep its options open for other possibilities.

Alabama will boast 13 scholarship players in the 2014-15 season, with senior guard Trevor Releford being the only player not returning to the court for the Crimson Tide.

The three signees will be joined by transfers Ricky Tarrant and Michael Kessens, who will be eligible to play next year.

“I’m excited about the team that we could put on the court next year,” Grant said.

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