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NCAA Basketball: Star JUCO big Souleymane Doumbia choosing from 8 teams

By Tristan Freeman

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 15: Nick Weatherspoon #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs disagrees with a foul call during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 15, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 78-77. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 15: Nick Weatherspoon #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs disagrees with a foul call during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 15, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 78-77. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: The Cincinnati Bearcats mascot (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: The Cincinnati Bearcats mascot (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Alabama Crimson Tide

Head coach Nate Oats has a history with JUCO transfers, dating back to his days at Buffalo and even early on with Alabama. Juwan Gary and James Rosas were former JUCO stars, though neither played last season due to injuries. Both players are looking for a spot in the rotation but it’ll be tough, thanks to returning players and a grad transfer big man in Jordan Bruner.

The Tide also brought in a top-50 forward prospect in Alex Tchikou, who reclassified to play this upcoming season. Rumor has it that five-star center recruit Charles Bediako is leaning towards this team as well in the 2021 class. If that happens, Doumbia would have trouble finding minutes a year from now.

Cincinnati Bearcats

The frontcourt for the Bearcats are going to look different after next year, once starting forwards Rapolas Ivanauskas and Chris Vogt move on. Head coach John Brannen does have a couple of talented freshmen coming in, including four-star forward Tari Eason and 6’9 center Viktor Lakhin.

Compared to Alabama’s situation, playing time for Doumbia wouldn’t be an issue. And it’s important to remember for JUCO players that they only have 2-3 years of eligibility remaining so picking the right situation is even more important compared to an incoming freshman. Cincinnati will be rebuilding a bit after next year, having an experienced presence inside would be very helpful for the program to remain competitive in the AAC.

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