- Jalil Bethea, a transfer from Miami, was a standout player despite the Hurricanes' struggles.
- Bethea is the highest-ranked recruit in Miami basketball history and was a McDonald's All-American.
- Known for his dynamic scoring ability, Bethea is expected to thrive in Alabama's system under coach Nate Oats.
- Bethea joins a talented 2025 recruiting class for Alabama, which includes Noah Williamson and Taylor Bol Bowen.
It seems like the best is yet to come for Alabama basketball's latest transfer addition Jalil Bethea.
The former Miami guard was a bright spot of a struggling 7-24 run for the Hurricanes, who couldn't find themselves after the abrupt exit of Jim Larranaga. Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats' system offers Bethea some fertile ground to grow confidence and reach the potential that was expected when the 2024 recruit was coming out of high school at Archbishop Wood Catholic in Pennsylvania.
As he joins UA's 2025 portal class featuring 7-footer Noah Williamson and 6-foot-10 forward Taylor Bol Bowen, here are four things to know about Bethea.
Bethea's little brother is a 'good luck charm'
When Bethea was navigating his senior year at Archbishop Wood in January 2024, he spoke with Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times about his inspiration. The big reason for the tattoo on his left arm that reads "My Brother's Keeper. For him I'd risk it all."
Bethea plays for his little brother Saleem, who was nine years old at the time of the interview in which he described their relationship.
"Saleem is his good-luck charm," Jalil's father, Steven Bethea said. Saleem is a high-functioning autistic child, and the joy his smile brings to players on the hardwood in practice and to fans in the stands after tipoff is contagious. Growing up, Bethea had two older brothers, so he takes being a role model for Saleem as seriously as he does protecting him.
Highest ranked recruit in history of Miami Hurricanes basketball program
Rated as the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, Bethea is the highest-ranked basketball recruit to have committed to the Hurricanes. He eclipsed Philadelphia 76ers guard Lonnie Walker IV, who was ranked No. 14 in 2017 when he decided to take his talents to Coral Gables.
Although he didn't come close to his senior averages despite a watered down year of league play for the ACC, the glimpses of the kid who put up 22.7 points, seven boards and 3.4 assists per game to get his team to Class 6A semifinals were there.
Another McDonald's All-American for the Crimson Tide
Alabama basketball's 2025-26 roster is "loving it," so to speak. With the confirmed return of 2023 McDonald's All American Aden Holloway and 2024 McDAAG roster member Aiden Sherrell, the Crimson Tide will have three players from the prestigious invitational. Should forward Derrion Reid decide to return for his sophomore season, Alabama could put four McDonald's All-Americans on the floor.
Last year, Reid and Sherrell were the 17thand 18thprogram signees to earn the honor.
Alabama was after big-time shooter coming out of high school
Bethea only shot 36.8% from the floor, but he always managed to show why he's been lauded as a dynamic three-level scorer since his recruitment began. He made 32.6% of his attempts from deep, netting three treys in performances against Duke, Syracuse and Virginia Tech.
Whether catch-and-shoot, off-the-dribble or off-ball situations, Bethea can score. The summer before Bethea committed to Miami over Alabama and others in his top five, Bethea averaged 18.6 PPG in 17 EYBL games, shooting nearly 50% from the floor and making 42.6% on 115 attempts from behind the arc.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
