TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 22: Head coach Nate Oats of the Buffalo Bulls reacts from the sidelines during the second half of the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Arizona State Sun Devils at BOK Center on March 22, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Instead of Dabo talk, how about the 3rd best Alabama football coach ever is …

Instead of Dabo talk, how about the 3rd best Alabama football coach ever is … by Ronald Evans

Alabama basketball has one open scholarship and with Trendon Watford unlikely, the latest top target is Villanova transfer guard, Jahvon Quinerly.

It is almost time for Alabama basketball to officially move on from Trendon Watford. The Mountain Brook 5-Star is expected to choose LSU when he announces on May 20.

Many Alabama basketball insiders have speculated once the Watford news is official, Nate Oats will sign JUCO forward James Rojas. Rojas reportedly prefers joining the Crimson Tide and has apparently been patient while Watford drug out his recruitment. Many Tide fans want Oats to reward Rojas for his patience.

However, it could be Oats believes the Crimson Tide has a greater need of a point guard. Howard University, transfer point guard, R.J. Cole made a multi-day Tuscaloosa visit before deciding to join U Conn. The latest buzz surrounds another transfer guard, Javon Quinerly who played for Villanova last season.

Quinerly is well suited for Nate Oats’ system. The coach knows it and apparently so does the player. Quinerly was a Top 30, 5-Star recruit in the 2018 class. He originally committed to Arizona after passing on other top programs, including Kansas.

Quinerly did not sign with Arizona. The probable reason was the allegation Arizona assistant coach Book Richardson paid, maybe as much as $20K, to get Quinerly’s signature. Richardson later pled guilty to other crimes in the FBI sting operation. Quinerly hired a lawyer and was later signed by Villanova.

It is reasonable to assume Villanova’s compliance department obtained an NCAA review and assurance Quinerly would be eligible. Quinerly played in 25 games for the Wildcats, averaging less than 10 minutes per game.

Jay Wright’s system and Quinerly’s skills were not a good match. At six-feet, Quinerly’s game relies on quickness and great ball skills. The defensive requirements for Jay Wright’s guards was a learning process for Quinerly.

Check out the highlight video below.

Quinerly has the skills to shine in an open-floor, uptempo style like the one the Crimson Tide will run under new Alabama basketball head coach, Nate Oats. It is not clear how much Quinerly can improve his defensive skills. Bigger and particularly more physical SEC guards might be a tough challenge for Quinnerly.

Though dates are yet to be set, it is believed Quinerly will visit Alabama, Arkansas and Pitt. Georgia might become a fourth school chosen for a visit.

Quinerly will have to sit out the 2019-20 season. He would still take up a scholarship next season. He will have three more years of eligibility.