Alabama basketball adds former Ohio State center Giddens

Former Ohio State center Daniel Giddens will transfer to Alabama.(Photo: David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports) TUSCALOOSA — Avery Johnson finally landed the highly recruited big man he’s been searching for since he arrived at Alabama more than a year ago. Former Ohio State freshman center Daniel Giddens announced Sunday that he was committing to Johnson and would transfer to Alabama following an official visit this weekend. “After much thought and prayer, I have decided to attend The University of Alabama,” Giddens wrote in a short statement he tweeted from his personal Twitter account midday Sunday. The 6-foot-10 Giddens, a four-star signee for Ohio State a year ago as the nation’s No. 8 center in the 2015 class according to 247Sports.com, will have to sit out the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules but will have three years of eligibility remaining after that. Johnson also took to Twitter to seemingly celebrate Giddens’ commitment, posting a series of emojis, including a basketball, sunglass-clad smiley face, and an elephant, before the hashtags #Buckleup and #RTR. Johnson can’t officially comment on Giddens until he signs transfer paperwork. Giddens, who is originally from Marietta, Georgia, was also reportedly considering Georgia, Texas Christian and Pittsburgh. Last season at Ohio State, Giddens averaged 3.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 33 games as a freshman, making seven starts. “He is the type of player whose defense and rebounding are ahead of his offense,” 247Sports director of basketball scouting Jerry Meyer told 247Sports.com in early May. “He can be a factor as a shot-blocker and defending the rim, the question is if he will ever be an impact player offensively.” In his post, Giddens also thanked the Ohio State coaching staff for the past season. “I want to say thank you to Coach Thad Matta and his entire Ohio State University basketball staff from this past year,” Giddens added. “Thank you for the opportunity that allowed me to participate in your basketball program and to attend such a highly respected academic institution.” After sitting out next season, Giddens will potentially provide Alabama a solid tandem at the center position, paired with 6-9, 224-pound center Donta Hall, who will be a junior once Giddens is eligible…

Continue Reading: Alabama basketball adds former Ohio State center Giddens