By JAMES MADDEN
Five-star forward Qayden Samuels has committed to Alabama, he announced on Wednesday. Samuels is a 6-foot-5 senior from Bishop McNamara HS (MD) and chose the Crimson Tide over Georgetown.
He was a member of the Team Takeover program and one of the biggest stock risers in the countrt this past summer, averaging 20 points and 9.6 rebounds per game on the Nike EYBL circuit.
Samuels told ZAGSBLOG he models his game after Spurs guard and former five-star Dylan Harper, who also served as one of the most prolific EYBL scorers in recent years.
He described himself as a defensive-minded player and takes pride on his defensive abilities.
“I play defense,” Samuels told ZAGSBLOG. “I don’t just play offense and let my scoring do the talking. I play defense too, and I can guard the best player.”
Samuels also told ZAGSBLOG that he was looking for a program and coach that would let him play right away and grow as a freshman. He seems to have found his perfect fit with Nate Oats and the Tide in Tuscaloosa.
“I’m looking for a coach that will trust me and let me play as a freshman, let me play through mistakes,” Samuels said. “That’s the only way to get better and learn.”
He comes from a family with a long line of basketball history. Samuels’ older brother, Qwanzi, plays professional basketball in Hungary, while his older sister Qadence plays collegiately at NC State.
Samuels is Alabama’s second commit in the class of 2026, joining four-star forward Tarris Bouie, who signed with the Tide in November.
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