Former Alabama forward Alex Tchikou announces transfer to Rhode Island

Former Alabama big man Alex Tchikou has a new home. The 6-11 forward entered his name in the transfer portal in March following the conclusion of the Tide’s 2022 season, but he only just now selected a new school. Tchikou announced via a message on Twitter that he’ll be headed to play for Archie Miller and Rhode Island next season. Here was his full message:

“First, let me Thank God, my family and all the people who stuck with me through the tough times. I would like to thank Coach Archie Miller and Kenny Johnson and his staff for believing me and by giving me an opportunity to continue to pursue my dreams. I will continue my college career to Rhode Island University. #GoRams.”

More on Tchikou’s move

The frenchman is headed to the smallest state in the union to play hoops this coming season. A move down from an SEC program like Alabama, but a wise one. Tchikou only appeared in three total games last season and logged just five minutes across those games. As a freshman, he was beyond an afterthought in the ‘Bama rotation. So a move made sense if things were slated to change in 2022-23.

After all, Tchikou has pedigree. Per the On3 Consensus for the 2021 class, Tchikou was a top-100 player (71st to be exact) and a four-star prospect. Those type of players generally play right away. But not Tchikou. Instead, he rode the bench while Nate Oats opted to often play small rather than rotate bigs like Tchikou into the lineup.

At Rhode Island, Tchikou projects to play and possibly start right away. The Rams lost their starting front court of the Mitchell twins (Makhi and Makhel) to Arkansas in the portal. So Tchikou’s arrival gives the Rhode Island roster a necessary boost of depth. The only other true big on the roster is Wichita State transfer Josaphat Bilau — and he’s in the same boat as Tchikou. Bilau only played in 12 total games for the Shockers as a freshman.

Two inexperienced but touted bigs are set to lead the way in the Rhode Island front court.