If you follow the Transfer Portal with the devotion of a religious scholar (a lifestyle I wouldn’t necessarily suggest), the name **Joson Sanon** likely rings a bell. A year ago, Sanon was the “it” name in college basketball’s version of free agency after a stellar freshman campaign at Arizona State. After averaging **12 points** and hitting **37%** of his shots from beyond the arc in Tempe, he was at the top of Nate Oats’ wish list.
However, the initial smoke connecting him to Tuscaloosa never turned into a fire. Instead, Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino lured him to **St. John’s**. Unfortunately for Sanon, his tenure in the Big Apple didn’t quite live up to the hype. He struggled to find a consistent role under Pitino, seeing his production and efficiency dip across the board.
### A Fit for the “Blue Collar” System
Most notable was the decline in Sanon’s perimeter shooting, which fell to **33%**. While that might give some scouts pause, context is everything. The Red Storm lacked the spacing and offensive tempo that define Alabama’s system. In Nate Oats’ high-octane “rim and three” offense, Sanon would likely find the breathing room he enjoyed as a freshman at ASU.
Why Alabama is Calling Again
The Crimson Tide’s renewed interest isn’t just about past infatuation; it’s about roster necessity. Alabama’s backcourt is currently in a state of flux:
* **Amari Allen** is testing the NBA Draft waters.
* **Labaron Philon** and **Latrell Wrightsell** have departed.
* **Aden Holloway’s** future remains clouded by legal uncertainty.
With a glaring need for a guard who can create his own shot and thrive in transition, the logic for a reunion is clear. Sanon is a former five-star talent who possesses the physical tools to be a lockdown defender and a dynamic scorer.
The Competition for Sanon
While Alabama is back in the mix, they aren’t alone. Since entering the portal on April 15, Sanon has reportedly heard from a “who’s who” of college basketball, including **Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, and Auburn**.
For Sanon, this second trip into the portal is about more than a change of scenery—it’s about finding the right schematic fit to reignite his NBA draft stock. If he prioritizes development and a system that rewards aggressive shooters, the third school of his collegiate career might finally be the one that wears Crimson.