Jahvon Quinerly's Assurances Inspired Aaron Estrada to Take Talents to Tuscaloosa

Alabama graduate transfer Aaron Estrada saw a path paved in Tuscaloosa by another New Jersey athlete.

The No. 24 Alabama basketball program enters the 2023-24 season after a summer of transition. The Crimson Tide saw all three assistant coaches depart for head coaching jobs, lost two players as first round draft picks to the NBA and saw another few players hit the transfer portal.

Alabama head basketball coach Nate Oats filled his coaching staff and then went big-game hunting in the transfer portal to build the 2023-24 Crimson Tide roster. One of his prized additions, two-time Colonial Athletic Association player of the year, Aaron Estrada. 

"One of the hardest-working guys I've ever been around. Then his skill level is really high. We chart everything in practices. At the rim finishing percentage is as high as any guard I've ever had," said Oats.

Estrada is expected to play a major roll on this year's Alabama squad, replacing lost production from guards Jaden Bradley and fellow-New Jersey guard Jahvon Quinerly.

"Yeah, I spoke to JQ and basically he told me about the coach. He had nothing but good to say about Coach Oats. Him being a Jersey guy, I took that in. I took it in, like, him being a Jersey guy, it means a little bit more coming from somebody else that's also coming from Jersey," said Estrada at SEC Media Days.

The 6-foot-3 guard from Woodbury, N.J., was considered the No. 12 transfer in the portal this past offseason and had Alabama on his mind as a potential option as soon as his season ended and transferring was on the table. 

"It's funny, I already knew that I wanted to come here, probably when I entered the portal and once Coach Oats was the first coach to call me I kind of had it in my mind that this is probably the spot that I want to be that," Estrada said. "But I just didn't know how Coach was as a person or anything. Once I got to feeling him out and just take in what he's about it was a pretty easy decision for me. I came on my visit and as soon as I got here, their hospitality and how they took care of me and my family was really big. That's what drew me in."

He averaged 19.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists through two seasons at Hoftsra as the Pride qualified for the 2023 NIT Tournament. 

Oats was complimentary of Estrada's ability, particularly to finish at the rim and noted he may be the best guard he's had at that particular skill. Quite a compliment considering Oats has coached NBA Draft picks Kira Lewis and JD Davison as well as former SEC Co-Sixth Man of the Year in Quinerly. 

"Honestly I just feel like that's a New Jersey slash New York thing. We finish at the rim. Ya'll can probably see that from former Alabama player JQ, Jahvon Quinerly," Estrada said. "That just comes from growing up in the playground, in the park, playing around with finishes and stuff. All that stuff to me to me comes naturally. I don't even work on my finishes anymore it just comes naturally."

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