He’s back.
Alabama basketball officially announced the return of senior forward Riley Norris on Monday after the NCAA approved a medical hardship waiver, making him eligible for the 2018-19 season.
“I am back at 100% and feeling as good as I have felt in a long time,” Norris said in an Instagram post. “I’ve heard a lot of questions and speculation about my future, so I want to let Bama Nation know that I will be back in Tuscaloosa for my final season! Roll Tide!”
Norris suffered a season-ending hip injury last December. Before that he played in nine games, averaging 4.8 points and 2.4 rebounds. As a junior, Norris finished third on the team with 9.0 points per game and led Alabama with 47 made 3-pointers. He has started 54 games over his first three years with the Crimson Tide.
While Norris’ return was not made official until Monday, it was reported last month that he was expected to receive a waiver and return to Alabama for one final season. Alabama head coach Avery Johnson was asked about the possibility of the forward returning earlier this offseason and said Norris would be a big addition both on and off the court.
“He’s a senior, guy in the graduate program, desperately wants to go to the NCAA Tournament,” Johnson said in March. “He’s a winner, so it would mean a tremendous amount if that becomes a reality.”
Previously this offseason, Alabama saw forwards Braxton Key and Ar’Mond Davis transfer from the program while freshman guard Collin Sexton declared for the NBA Draft. Those departures along with Norris’ return give Alabama 10 scholarship players for the 2018-19 season.
Alabama is also expected to bring in a three-player recruiting class as center Javian Fleming and guard Jared Butler and Diante Wood are set to join the mix. That would bring the Crimson Tide to 13 scholarship players, the NCAA limit.
Alabama will hold its annual basketball banquet tonight at 6 p.m. CT.
