Pittsburgh Panthers sign former Alabama 5-star recruit in transfer portal

The Pittsburgh Panthers on Sunday landed a commitment from former Alabama Crimson Tide guard Jalil Bethea, the third offseason addition under head coach Jeff Capel.

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard entered the transfer portal when it officially opened on April 7. He was one of many Alabama players to enter the portal following the 2025-26 season, but he is the first among them to choose a new destination. His move also means a homecoming, as the Philadelphia native starred at Archbishop Wood High School.

During his lone season with the Crimson Tide, Bethea appeared in 26 games without making a start, averaging 7.9 to eight minutes per game. His production included 3.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game, while shooting 37.5% from the field and 31.4% from three-point range. His limited role was partly influenced by a preseason foot injury that kept him out for the first seven games and a deep backcourt rotation featuring multiple double-digit scorers, including All-American Labaron Philon Jr.

Before Alabama, Bethea spent his freshman season with Miami Hurricanes, averaging 7.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 18.1 minutes per game over 31 appearances (16 starts).

While his college numbers may be modest, Bethea was one of the nation’s most decorated recruits out of high school. He was ranked No. 7 overall in the 2024 recruiting class by 247Sports, earned McDonald’s All-American honors, and was named Pennsylvania 6A Player of the Year after averaging 22.4 points and 6.9 rebounds while leading Archbishop Wood to a 20-9 record and a state semifinal appearance.

At Alabama, his best performance came shortly after his return from injury, when he went for 21 points and six rebounds against UTSA. However, he scored in double figures only three times during the season and did not record a point in three NCAA Tournament appearances.

With two years of eligibility remaining, Bethea joins recent Pittsburgh transfer additions Dominique Diomande (BYU) and Jonathan Powell (North Carolina).

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