This is the concluding installment in an 8-part series where BamaCentral’s Blake Byler analyzes the statistics and footage to provide insights on each of Alabama basketball’s newcomers for the 2024-25 season.
Few players can claim to have been ranked as the No. 1 overall player in their recruiting class, but Alabama freshman Naas Cunningham is one of them. Although he didn’t finish ranked that high, Cunningham was recognized by several recruiting services as the top player in the 2024 class about two years ago. His ranking has since declined, but he remains a top-50 recruit and a 4-star prospect. It’s clear to see why scouts were so optimistic about him early in his high school career.
Cunningham brings a unique 6-foot-7, athletic frame and the skills of a guard. He excels at creating his own shot from mid-range and beyond the arc, has impressive vertical leaping ability, solid ball-handling, and quick lateral movements.
His failure to maintain a high-ranking was largely due to inconsistency. Originally from New Jersey, Cunningham transitioned from high school to Overtime Elite, a talent-rich league based in Atlanta for high school players.
In his last season with Overtime Elite this winter, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game—solid numbers but with inconsistent shooting performances. At times, he showcased the potential of a former top recruit, but fluctuating performance hindered his ranking.
Nonetheless, Cunningham is a highly skilled player with the potential to be a valuable contributor at the college level and beyond. Let’s review some footage from a few of his OTE games to see where he excels and how he can fit into the program under Nate Oats in Tuscaloosa.
A key component of playing in Nate Oats’ offense is the ability to shoot three-pointers effectively. Cunningham has shown he can make outside shots, averaging around the low 30s in shooting percentage during his time in Overtime Elite.
While this isn’t quite on par with the high-30s to low-40s percentages of some of Alabama’s top shooters, it’s still a commendable figure. His shooting mechanics are sound, and crucially, he displays confidence when shooting.
For instance, in the first clip, Cunningham drives to the basket but misses a layup after facing a challenge from a defender. However, he remains engaged in the play; after his teammate secures the offensive rebound, Cunningham positions himself in the corner. When his teammate finds him there, he quickly catches the ball and makes the shot effortlessly.
The second clip is reminiscent of many highlights from Alabama during Oats’ coaching tenure. In this play, Cunningham’s teammate pushes the ball up the court, passing it back to him as he trails near the three-point line. Without hesitation, Cunningham steps up to take a deep three and sinks it.
He clearly possesses the range and shooting ability, and as he works on his consistency—particularly by getting more catch-and-shoot opportunities within Alabama’s system—he could become a reliable outside shooter at the college level.
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Besides his ability to shoot three-pointers, Cunningham showcases a range of skillful scoring techniques inside the arc, making shot creation one of his standout strengths.
In the first clip, he gets an early pass from a teammate during a fast break, finding himself in a one-on-one situation with his defender between him and the basket. Cunningham drives hard toward the hoop, and when the defender halts his progress, he uses his lengthy wingspan to pull up and make a push shot over the defender.
His slender physique enables him to take challenging shots over both smaller defenders and those closer to his height.
Cunningham’s shot creation is even more apparent in the second clip, where his team is down with less than a minute remaining and needs a quick score. He accelerates from the wing to the elbow and successfully sinks a mid-range jumper.
You might wonder about the limited use of mid-range shots in Alabama’s system. (If you’re interested in Alabama’s approach to mid-range shooting, check out a recent article on that topic.) However, if Cunningham proves efficient with this shot, he could incorporate it more into his game.
Given his physical attributes and shot creation skills, having the ability to score from mid-range is a valuable asset, even if it doesn’t align perfectly with the layup-and-three-point focus of the Alabama offense.
Another key aspect of Cunningham’s game is his athleticism. In the clip above, you can see him soar above the rim to finish a transition play. He is also capable of being an effective lob finisher or creating spectacular highlights when he has a clear path to the basket.
Overall, Cunningham needs to refine his skills and improve his consistency, and most importantly, he needs to add some weight. Currently listed at only 175 pounds despite being 6-foot-7 on Alabama’s official roster, he is too light for the physical demands of the SEC and high-level college basketball.
Due to his need for added weight and skill development, it’s unlikely he will have a significant role on the Alabama team as a freshman, especially given the strength of the roster. At his position of guard/wing, Alabama already has Derrion Reid, who is projected to be a first-round pick in next year’s draft, along with Houston Mallette, a senior with considerable experience.
Nevertheless, Cunningham is an exceptionally talented player with a top-50 ranking. If he perseveres at Alabama and focuses on development and strength training, he could start making contributions as early as the 2025-26 season, given his potential.
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