Alabama guard Aaron Estrada is ending his five-year, four-school college basketball odyssey with a trip to the Final Four. The 6-foot-4 guard started his career at Saint Peter's before transferring to Oregon, Hofstra and finally Alabama. The recent move to Tuscaloosa brought Estrada to a bigger basketball stage.
Alabama guard Mark Sears hugs guard Aaron Estrada during the second half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game against North Carolina in the NCAA tournament Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. Alabama guard Aaron Estrada fields questions ahead of their Elite Eight college basketball game in the NCAA tournament Friday, March 29, 2024, in Los Angeles. Alabama plays Clemson on Saturday.
Estrada blossomed with the Pride, winning back-to-back player of the year awards in the Colonial Athletic Association. With one more year of college eligibility remaining, Hofstra coach Speedy Claxton pulled Estrada into his office with some advice — let’s get you to a bigger program where you can get paid under the NCAA’s new rules.The NIL advantages that a Southeastern Conference school could offer was key.
The mid-major ethos is something coach Nate Oats appreciates. He comes from humble beginnings as well, spending years as a high school coach before coaching at Buffalo and finally Alabama. Estrada relishes the small upgrades as well. Oats said he was thrilled when the 6-foot-4 guard came available in the transfer portal, because he knew a two-time CAA player of the year would be useful.
College Basketball NCAA Mens Division I Basketball Championship Alabama March Madness NCAA Tournament NCAA Mens Bracket Sports Oregon Nate Oats Speedy Claxton Mark Sears
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Central Alabama CrimeStoppers warns of law enforcement impostersCentral Alabama CrimeStoppers says scammers are posing as Alabama law enforcement.
Read more »
Alabama's Undersized Point Guard Leads Team to Final FourNate Oats admits that he missed out on recruiting Mark Sears out of high school, but now recognizes his talent as the undersized point guard leads Alabama to its first Final Four.
Read more »
Alabama Senate approves lottery, gambling bill, final outlook unclearThe Alabama Senate on Thursday advanced a scaled-back gambling proposal
Read more »
Alabama Senate approves lottery, gambling bill, final outlook unclearMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Alabama legislation to protect IVF providers moves toward final approvalMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
UConn Huskies take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Final 4The No. 1 UConn Huskies take on the No. 19 Alabama Crimson Tide in the NCAA Tournament Final Four. The teams meet Saturday for the first time this season. UConn is 21-2 against the Big East, and Alabama is 13-6 against the SEC.
Read more »