"You have earned this": College hoops fans buzz as former Tarleton State PF Keitenn Bristow commits to SEC powerhouse

After an impressive freshman campaign at Tarleton State, Keitenn Bristow is taking his talents to a top SEC program. The forward, who was named WAC Freshman of the Year, has committed to Alabama, Recruits News reported on Wednesday.

Bristow shared the news on X with a hype video in a Crimson Tide jersey.

"Built by grit, driven by heart. I'm all in. Roll Tide, let’s make history. #TWN #KEI10," Bristow's X post read.

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Kyle Tucker, Bristow's former high school coach, showed his support with a response to the freshman star's post.

"Let’s Go!! Roll Tide! Congrats Kei! You have earned this," Tucker's reply read.

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College hoops fans on Instagram and X responded to news of Bristow's commitment to Alabama. Some congratulated Bristow on taking the next step in his career.

"Turn me up K"

An X user hypes up Bristow (X/@KeitennB)

"Congratulations Ke go be great!!!! HERO"

A reply to Bristow's commitment congratulates him (X/@KeitennB)

"Let's do it🔥🔥"

An IG user shows support for Bristow (X/@KeitennB)

Alabama fans shared their excitement about Bristow joining the team.

"Welcome!! Role Tide Roll!!"

An Alabama fan welcomes Bristow to the school (X/@KeitennB)

"RTR Keitenn🐘🔥"

An X user utilizes the Alabama slogan "roll Tide roll" (X/@KeitennB)

"🐘🐘🐘"

What Keitenn Bristow brings to Alabama

Bristow came to college as just a three-star recruit, but he had a phenomenal freshman season at Tarleton State. The 6-foot-8 forward played 23 games for the Texans, making 19 starts. He averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game and highlighted his defensive depth with an average of 0.9 blocks and 1.1 steals.

The sizable forward is a strong shooter from anywhere on the court, averaging 46.1%, including 32.8% from beyond the arc. Bristow moves well and excels at setting up shots for himself.

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Bristow brings a defensive edge to the Crimson Tide. He finds success grabbing defensive boards, with 2.9 of his 4.3 rpg being defensive, and defends the rim well. Bristow's versatile skill set and impressive stat values resulted in him being named WAC Freshman of the Year.

Alabama is gaining a sizable, multiskilled forward in Bristow. He can score at all three levels and serve as an essential defensive piece. The forward has three seasons of college eligibility left to develop and will look to do so at the SEC powerhouse.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Ribin Peter