Alabama lands pair of 4-star basketball commitments

MOUNDVILLE | The University of Alabama men's basketball program received commitments from two of the state's top three prospectson Thursday, providing a strong start to the 2017 recruiting class.

First, Herb Jones, a 6-foot-7 "point forward" from Hale County High School, became the first verbal commitment of the University of Alabama 2017 signing class when he chose the Crimson Tide in a ceremony at his school gymnasium.

Jones, who led Sunshine to the AHSAA Class1A state finals in 2015 before that school was closed, had a list of five finalists: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Georgia Tech. He took an official visit to Tuscaloosa last weekend.

"I made up my mind on my official visit," Jones said on Thursday. "It came down to Alabama and Florida, and it was very close. But I felt comfortable with the coaches at Alabama and Coach (Avery) Johnson.

Later in the afternoon, Pelham post prospect Alex Reese, a 6-foot-9 All-State performer, made it two-for-two for the Crimson Tide.

Jones is a four-star prospects according to rivals.com, which ranks Jones at No. 72 nationally. Reese is also a four-star and is ranked 73rd by Rivals.

The early signing period for basketball officially opens on November 9 and lasts for one week.

Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil@tidesports.com or 205-722-0225.