re: Tide Hoops | Recruiting

You will get seats and maybe some good ones. There are a little over 6,000 season ticket holders, so plenty of seats. Your options on the sides may be higher up than end zone seats that are actually closer to the court. Should be a really good season!

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Top Alabama Basketball Target Davin Cosby Talks Tuscaloosa Visit

Alabama basketball's fall visit schedule is in full swing, and it kicked off with a visit from top target Davin Cosby this past weekend.

Cosby is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard in the Class of 2023. He is a four-star recruit according to 247Sports' composite rankings and ranks as the No. 93 prospect in the nation.

"[The visit] was great. It was a good experience, a great environment," Cosby told BamaCentral. "It really felt like a family over there."

One of Cosby's biggest strengths is his scoring ability, and the Alabama coaching staff sees that in him as well.

“[They see me] being that dog, that scorer," Cosby said. "In this 2023 recruiting class they have Sam [Walters] and RJ [Johnson], so they’ve got a guard, they’ve got a forward, they need that scorer. I could come in and fulfill that because I can shoot the ball very well. I can also drive and create for others.”

Some of the better aspects of Cosby's game are his shooting ability and his prowess in pick-and-roll scenarios, which both compliment the skills of Alabama's currently committed recruits.

On his visit, Cosby spent Friday in meetings with the Alabama coaching staff as well as athletic director Greg Byrne. Cosby mentioned he also got to meet Alabama football coach Nick Saban.

On Saturday Cosby got to attend the Alabama football game against Utah State, as well as view an Alabama basketball practice and play some pickup with the Alabama team afterwards.

Cosby expressed excitement about some of the new Alabama players on this year's team.

“The guys that really stood out in practice were Mark [Sears], Brandon [Miller], Jaden Bradley," Cosby said.

Cosby also noted Noah Clowney and Nimari Burnett as impressive performers in practice.

The Alabama coaching staff has been consistent in its efforts to recruit Cosby since offering him in July. Aside from head coach Nate Oats, assistant coach Antione Pettway has been Cosby's lead recruiter.

“They’ve been consistent ever since day one," Cosby said. "Since they offered me they’ve been hyped. They always text me encouraging stuff, they’ve told me what role they want me to be. It’s a tight relationship I would say.”

With his senior season approaching, Cosby recently transferred from Benedictine High School in his hometown of Richmond, Va. to Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C.

“Transferring over to Word of God is one of the best decisions I’ve made competition wise," Cosby said. "I'm going to get better. Better at my game, better at attacking the basket, being in control and getting stronger."

Cosby has three visits left before his commitment. He will visit NC State on Sept. 16, Tennessee on Oct. 15 and LSU on Oct. 22. Cosby said he will announce his commitment the weekend following his LSU visit.

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The SEC is releasing the conference schedule tomorrow.

Our first game is two months from today.

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Crimson Crossover Exclusive: One on One with Dink Pate

Alabama football got their first win of the season this past weekend against Utah State, but it was a big opening weekend for Alabama basketball for recruiting as well. Class of 2023 guard Davin Cosby officially visited, but class of 2024 star 6’8” point guard Dink Pate was also on campus for an unofficial visit. He is currently ranked 32nd overall in the class per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Pate played on the 3SSB (Adidas) circuit this summer for Team Trae Young – the organization Tide freshman Rylan Griffen once played for and who 2023 target Kaden Cooper played for. Pate took the time Tuesday night to discuss his recruitment and his weekend in Tuscaloosa.

What did you think of the campus and atmosphere for game day?

“Campus was great. I had a great experience. I got to meet up with some old guys I have known like Rylan Griffen who I know really well. I also got to know Nimari Burnett better who also went to Prolific Prep.”

Did you get to see practice? Did anyone stand out to you?

“Yes, I actually got to play some open runs with them. I was scoring, hitting 3s, I had a few dunks. The big men are much different from high school down here in Dallas, so I know the weight room is important in college. Brandon Miller is different too.”

Did you get to hang out with players? How did you like the culture?

“I got to spend some time with Brandon Miller and Jaden Bradley which was cool. One big family culture with the football team and basketball team. Everyone knows each other and are one big family.”

Coach Bryan Hodgson is once again the lead recruiter for an elite prospect.

“Coach Hodgson is one of my favorite coaches. He is hilarious and was the main one showing me around. He is a great guy.”

Pate is an elite guard with elite measurables which fits perfectly for what Coach Oats likes to do. When you look at some of Nate Oats’ best teams, you notice they had a jumbo guard in the fold. Two examples are Jeremy Harris and Herb Jones. The run-and-gun style is an intriguing option for the elite 2024 guard. This fits what the staff pitches to Pate and what he sees in himself:

“I think I would be a good fit. They are recruiting me as a 6’8” point guard and that is what I want to be and what I tell myself every day. Coach Oats talks about how they like to play in transition more than in the half court which is where I am at my best. I idol myself after Penny Hardaway who could pass, score and shoot. I try to take after big guards like KD, Paul George, Magic Johnson. I would fit good; I am more of a transition player. I can do a lot in the half court sets too, but I like to get out and run. I run cross country, so I am in good shape and like to get in transition.”

Do you have any other visits planned? Do you have plans on officially visiting Alabama at some point?

“I am planning to visit UCF and Kentucky invited me to Big Blue Madness. I most definitely plan to officially visit Alabama at some point.”

While Pate has the makings of an elite recruit, there are always areas to improve. Pate outlines some areas he is looking to grow during his junior season back home at Pinkston High School.

“I definitely want to improve on my defense and my impact on that part of the game. I also want to improve on being a leader and knowing how to talk to my teammates. I don’t want to be an arrogant teammate, but a leader who guides my teammates into being better players and making myself a better player.”

Pate is looking for trust with the coaching staff as a big key factor in his recruitment.

“I want to play for a coaching staff that trusts me as their point guard. I want to go somewhere where they will help me improve and let me learn from what I see with the ball in my hands.”

Dink Pate is one of the more intriguing players I have watched on the circuit in the last few cycles. Being a point guard with his size and measurables is unique. He displays incredible court vision and passing instincts.

He hits cutters in stride and sets up his teammates for easy buckets. His size allows him to see the full floor and he makes great decisions with the ball in his hands. He uses his handle, athleticism, and long strides to get to the rim whenever he chooses and is a good finisher when he chooses to score. He is continuing to improve as a shooter as well which makes him even more versatile as an offensive player. Defensively, he has limitless potential. Pate is already 6’8” and has a plus wingspan which shrinks the floor for opposing offenses. Pate is an improving defender who is looking to continue to improve on that area of the floor. Pate is well on his way to five-star status and should be one of the most coveted players in his class with his skill set and ability to make others around him shine. This is a name for Alabama fans to keep a close eye on for the next two years.

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Wednesday, December 28 - Alabama at Mississippi State

Tuesday, January 3 - Ole Miss at Alabama

Saturday, January 7 - Kentucky at Alabama

Wednesday, January 11 - Alabama at Arkansas

Saturday, January 14 - LSU at Alabama

Tuesday, January 17 - Alabama at Vanderbilt

Saturday, January 21 - Alabama at Missouri

Wednesday, January 25 - Mississippi State at Alabama

Saturday, January 28 - Alabama at Oklahoma

Tuesday, January 31 - Vanderbilt at Alabama

Saturday, February 4 - Alabama at LSU

Wednesday, February 8 - Florida at Alabama

Saturday, February 11 - Alabama at Auburn

Wednesday, February 15 - Alabama at Tennessee

Saturday, February 18 - Georgia at Alabama

Wednesday, February 22 - Alabama at South Carolina

Saturday, February 25 - Arkansas at Alabama

Wednesday, March 1 - Auburn at Alabama

Saturday, March 4 - Alabama at Texas A&M

That's a really fantastic schedule. Only way it could be better is to have Vandy home only, UGA road only, and UTk home and home.

That sucks

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The Kentucky game is before Students return to school too

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And the Saturday before the football national championship game on Monday

Also sick of playing OU in the Big 12 challenge.