Elite PF Alex Tchikou commits to Alabama basketball

Nate Oats continues to be a wizard on the recruiting trail, adding uber-skilled 6’11” big man Alex “FrenTchi” Tchikou to an already strong 2020 class.

Oats’ haul will now move up into the top 15 in the country, and that doesn’t even count the addition of Jordan Bruner, arguably the best grad transfer in the country.

As I mentioned yesterday, Tchikou has a great story. He left his family behind in France to come to the United States and chase NBA dreams. Alex played only one year of high school ball at Dream City Christian School in Glendale, AZ, and managed to graduate early and reclassify. He will not turn 19 in time for the 2021 NBA Draft, so he will likely be around Tuscaloosa for at least two seasons.

Tchikou’s skills jump off the screen, even drawing some comparisons to NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is more offensively polished right now than any big man we’ve had in a few seasons. Alex runs the floor well and can be seen knocking down threes, leading the fast break, and appears to have great shot-blocking instincts. In his highlight below, you see him stay vertical and use his length to erase shots without fouling.

The frontcourt in Tuscaloosa has now been completely overhauled. Alex Reese and Javian Davis-Fleming return, but it’s tough to imagine either cracking the starting lineup with Tchikou joining Bruner and James Rojas returning from injury. This team has talent up and down the roster, including several guys who have a real shot at the NBA, and will be the deepest roster we’ve had in years.

Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Alex. Roll Tide.