Alabama in Final Two for Minnesota’s Top Recruit
Alabama has secured a significant victory in the 2025 college basketball recruiting landscape by landing four-star combo guard Amari Allen from Wisconsin, a top prospect who had Minnesota among his final choices. Allen’s commitment to the Crimson Tide underscores Alabama’s growing influence in national recruiting and marks a notable loss for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who had heavily pursued the talented guard.
Amari Allen’s Recruitment Journey
Amari Allen, a 6-foot-7, 195-pound senior from Ashwaubenon High School near Green Bay, Wisconsin, has been a standout on the court, earning high rankings across major recruiting platforms. He is listed as the No. 52 prospect nationally by Rivals, No. 53 by Prep Hoops, and No. 98 by 247Sports’ composite rankings . Known for his versatility, athleticism, and playmaking abilities, Allen’s game has drawn comparisons to former Gophers guard Cam Christie, who was selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers .
Allen’s recruitment was highly competitive, with his final six schools including Alabama, Minnesota, Nevada, UCF, Mississippi State, and Wisconsin. Minnesota appeared to be a strong contender, hosting Allen for multiple visits, including an official visit on August 29, 2024, coinciding with the Gophers’ football season opener . Despite these efforts, Allen ultimately chose Alabama, announcing his commitment on September 10, 2024.
Why Alabama?
Allen’s decision to commit to Alabama reflects the program’s rising stature under head coach Nate Oats. The Crimson Tide’s up-tempo, NBA-style offense and emphasis on player development have made it an attractive destination for top recruits. Allen cited the coaching staff’s vision for his growth and the opportunity to compete at the highest level as key factors in his decision
Alabama’s recent recruiting successes further highlight its appeal. In addition to Allen, the Crimson Tide secured commitments from other top prospects, including five-star forward Derrion Reid, ranked No. 9 in the ESPN 100 for the Class of 2024 . These additions bolster a program that has consistently been among the nation’s best in recent years.
Impact on Minnesota
For Minnesota, Allen’s decision represents a significant setback. Head coach Ben Johnson had prioritized Allen as a cornerstone for the Gophers’ 2025 recruiting class. Despite hosting Allen for multiple visits and building a strong relationship, Minnesota was unable to secure his commitmen
The Gophers have, however, made strides in other areas. They recently landed a commitment from three-star guard Kai Shinholster, a 6-foot-5 senior from Philadelphia, who visited Minnesota alongside Allen . Shinholster expressed enthusiasm about potentially playing with Allen, indicating a strong camaraderie among recruits.
Additionally, Minnesota is actively pursuing other prospects, such as Keaton Wagler, a 6-foot-6 senior guard from Shawnee, Kansas. Wagler visited Minnesota and is expected to make his decision after visiting Illinois . The Gophers’ coaching staff remains committed to building a competitive 2025 class, focusing on both in-state and national talent.
Broader Recruiting Landscape
Allen’s commitment to Alabama underscores the increasingly competitive nature of college basketball recruiting. Programs like Alabama are leveraging their recent successes, coaching stability, and player development track records to attract top talent from across the country.
Minnesota’s experience with Allen highlights the challenges faced by programs outside the traditional powerhouses. Despite strong efforts and compelling pitches, securing commitments from elite recruits remains a formidable task. However, the Gophers’ proactive approach and focus on building relationships with a diverse pool of prospects demonstrate a commitment to elevating the program’s stature.
Amari Allen’s decision to join Alabama marks a significant addition to the Crimson Tide’s 2025 recruiting class and reflects the program’s growing national prominence. For Minnesota, while Allen’s choice is a disappointment, it serves as a catalyst to intensify recruiting efforts and continue building a strong foundation for the future. The dynamic nature of college basketball recruiting ensures that opportunities remain for programs willing to adapt, innovate, and persist in the pursuit of excellence
