Alabama Secures Transfer Taylor Bol Bowen from Florida State

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama basketball has officially welcomed Taylor Bol Bowen, a former forward at Florida State, to its roster as part of its ongoing recruitment efforts through the transfer portal. The announcement was made on Friday, with Bowen’s agent, Sam Permut, confirming the commitment.

Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 205 pounds, Bowen averaged 8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game during the last season with the Seminoles, shooting an impressive 41.4% from beyond the arc. His addition marks Alabama’s second recruitment from the transfer portal this offseason, immediately following his visit to Tuscaloosa.

Bowen, who will enter his junior year, is expected to significantly bolster Alabama’s frontcourt as the team prepares to lose key players, including starting forward Grant Nelson and starting center Clifford Omoruyi, who are set to exhaust their eligibility. During the 2023-24 season, Bowen made 29 appearances, starting 28 of them, and averaged 1.5 blocks per game, showcasing his defensive prowess.

“We are excited about Taylor’s potential impact on our program,” said Alabama head coach Nate Oats. “He brings size and versatility that will be essential for our team next season.”

Transitioning from Florida State, where he played under former head coach Leonard Hamilton, Bowen was ranked as the No. 110 recruit in the 2023 class and a four-star prospect. His journey included attending notable schools, such as Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, and his recruitment has garnered him attention from multiple programs.

Bowen joins Noah Williamson, a 7-foot center from Bucknell, as the Crimson Tide seeks to enhance their roster for the 2025-26 season. This strategic recruitment aligns with Alabama’s need for depth in the frontcourt, particularly as they navigate departures from last season’s lineup.

Bowen’s journey began in Jericho, Vermont, where he displayed talent from a young age. After being adopted at the age of two, he attended St. George's School before moving on to Brewster Academy, showcasing a remarkable progression in his basketball career.

“He is a long and athletic forward who thrives in an up-and-down game,” explained Adam Finkelstein, 247 Sports’ director of scouting. “His mobility and unique skill set allow him to excel on both ends of the court. We’re confident that he will adapt well to the competitive nature here at Alabama.”

Despite a challenging season where Florida State finished with a 17-15 record, Bowen demonstrated significant improvement, doubling his minutes from his freshman year and becoming a starter in his second season. His versatility will be a critical asset to Alabama, which aims to build on its successful 2024-25 campaign that saw them reach the Elite Eight.

As the transfer portal remains open until April 22, Alabama is expected to continue its pursuit of additional talent with hopes of further enhancing its roster for the upcoming season. The Crimson Tide staff has been active in their recruitment, indicating a clear commitment to maintaining a competitive program in the SEC.

This story will be updated as further developments occur regarding Alabama’s recruiting efforts.