According to reports, a former Alabama basketball star will return to the NCAA transf
According to a report Monday afternoon from On3’s Joe Tipton, former Alabama Crimson Tide forward Nick Pringle is re-entering the NCAA transfer portal after only one season at South Carolina.
Pringle will also be testing the NBA draft waters according to Tipton, entering his name into the transfer portal at the same time.
Transferring to South Carolina last offseason from Alabama, Pringle is coming off likely his best collegiate season in which he averaged a career-high 9.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game on 57.2% shooting from the field. Pringle also shot a combined 65.5% at the free throw line, a career-high.
At Alabama, Pringle appeared in 70 games for the Crimson Tide across two seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-24, 16 of which he started. Pringle was also a key player in the Crimson Tide’s run to the Final Four a year ago, and averaged a combined 5.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game on 69% shooting from the field while in Tuscaloosa.
The South Carolina forward is the second former Alabama transfer to enter the transfer portal so far, joining guard Davin Cosby.
As of March 25, 2025, former Alabama basketball guard Davin Cosby Jr. has re-entered the NCAA transfer portal after spending the 2024-25 season with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. This marks his second transfer in as many years, highlighting the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and the increasing prevalence of player movement between programs.
Collegiate Career Overview
Davin Cosby Jr., a 6-foot-5 guard from Richmond, Virginia, began his collegiate basketball journey with the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2023-24 season. As a freshman, he appeared in 22 of 37 games, averaging 7.8 minutes, 3.6 points, and 0.9 rebounds per game. One of his standout performances came against Ole Miss, where he scored a season-high 15 points, including five three-pointers. Unfortunately, a broken foot sidelined him during the NCAA Tournament, though he continued to support his team from the sidelines. citeturn0search3
Seeking increased playing time and a more prominent role, Cosby transferred to Wake Forest for the 2024-25 season. During his tenure with the Demon Deacons, he appeared in 17 games, starting nine, and averaged 5.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 35.1%. Despite earning a starting position in over half of the games he played, his performance did not meet expectations, leading to his decision to explore other opportunities through the transfer portal once again. citeturn0search1
Implications of Re-Entering the Transfer Portal
Cosby’s decision to re-enter the transfer portal underscores the dynamic nature of collegiate athletics, where athletes continually assess their development and opportunities within different programs. The transfer portal has become an integral part of college basketball, allowing players to seek new environments that better align with their athletic and academic goals.
For Cosby, this move represents an opportunity to find a program that can offer him the playing time and developmental resources he seeks. His experience in both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) makes him a valuable asset to potential suitors looking for a guard with versatility and experience.
Potential Destinations and Considerations
As Cosby navigates the transfer process, several factors will influence his decision on a new program:
- Playing Time: A primary motivator for his initial transfer was increased playing time. Identifying a program that can offer a significant role will be crucial.
- Coaching Style: Aligning with a coaching staff whose philosophy matches his playing style can enhance his development and on-court performance.
- Program Competitiveness: Joining a team with a competitive schedule and exposure can provide valuable experience and visibility.
- Academic Fit: Ensuring that the institution aligns with his academic goals and offers the desired support is essential for his overall collegiate experience.
Given these considerations, mid-major programs or rebuilding teams in major conferences might present viable options for Cosby, offering both the playing time and developmental opportunities he seeks.
Broader Trends in Collegiate Basketball Transfers
Cosby’s journey reflects a broader trend in college basketball, where the transfer portal has become a pivotal element in roster management. Coaches and programs are increasingly adapting to this fluid environment, balancing the integration of incoming transfers with the development of existing players.
For athletes, the portal offers a mechanism to find better fits, though it also presents challenges, including the need to adapt to new systems and the potential instability associated with multiple transfers.
Davin Cosby Jr.’s decision to re-enter the NCAA transfer portal after a season with Wake Forest highlights the ongoing shifts within collegiate athletics. As he seeks a new program that aligns with his aspirations, his journey underscores the importance of finding the right fit both athletically and academically. His experience serves as a testament to the evolving nature of college basketball, where adaptability and strategic decision-making are key components of an athlete’s career trajectory.