Jeff BorzelloCloseJeff BorzelloBasketball recruiting insiderJeff Borzello is a basketball recruiting insider. He has joined ESPN in 2014.Follow on X and Paul BiancardiClosePaul BiancardiBasketball Recruiting National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com 18 years of coaching experience at Division I level Former Horizon League coach of the year at Wright StateFollow on XMultiple AuthorsJan 28, 2026, 01:18 PM ET
Missouri Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: Game Highlights (1:16)Missouri Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: Game Highlights (1:16)
Samuels, a Maryland native, visited both schools in the fall, but opted to delay his decision past the early signing period in November.
“Nate Oats has been recruiting me and offered me since I was a sophomore. Georgetown and coach [Ed] Cooley have also recruited me for a long time. I have a high respect for the Georgetown program and Coach Cooley.”
Alabama emerged as the favorite for Samuels following his October visit to Tuscaloosa, where he developed a strong relationship with Oats and was able to get an in-person look at his coaching style.
“Alabama has all the resources; they’re building a new practice facility,” he said. “During my visit, Coach Oats spent a lot of time with me, and we really connected. Watching him in practice, he is very focused and intense, but he never gets too high or too low.
“Their play style of shooting 3s, layups and free throws fits my game … I believe it’s a program and place where I can go and have the opportunity to become a pro.”
A 6-foot-5 small forward from Bishop McNamara High School (Maryland), Samuels is ranked No. 22 in the SC Next 100 for the class of 2026. Samuels has missed time this season with a foot injury, but he was one of the best scorers on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer for Team Takeover, averaging 20.4 points to go with 9.6 rebounds, while shooting 38.8% from 3-point range. He also led the NBPA Top 100 camp in scoring, averaging 26.4 points.
He hasn’t been a primary pick-and-roll player in the past, but he has been highly productive in that role when given the opportunity. Samuels has upside as an off-ball scorer and as someone who can create his own shot, as well as play effectively in two-man games.
Samuels is the second SC Next 100 recruit in Alabama’s 2026 class, joining No. 33 Tarris Bouie. The Crimson Tide also remain in the mix for uncommitted top-five prospect Caleb Holt.
Missouri Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: Game Highlights (1:16)Missouri Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: Game Highlights (1:16)
Jeff BorzelloCloseJeff BorzelloBasketball recruiting insiderJeff Borzello is a basketball recruiting insider. He has joined ESPN in 2014.Follow on X and Paul BiancardiClosePaul BiancardiBasketball Recruiting National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com 18 years of coaching experience at Division I level Former Horizon League coach of the year at Wright StateFollow on XMultiple Authors
CloseJeff BorzelloBasketball recruiting insiderJeff Borzello is a basketball recruiting insider. He has joined ESPN in 2014.Follow on X
ClosePaul BiancardiBasketball Recruiting National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com 18 years of coaching experience at Division I level Former Horizon League coach of the year at Wright StateFollow on X
Top-25 senior Qayden Samuels has committed to Alabama over Georgetown, he announced Wednesday.
Missouri Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: Game Highlights (1:16)