Alabama signs Southern Illinois grad transfer Bola Olaniyan

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama has signed graduate transfer forward Bola Olaniyan from Southern Illinois.

Crimson Tide coach Avery Johnson said Monday that Olaniyan adds experience, leadership and rebounding to the Crimson Tide. He averaged 5.2 points and 6.0 rebounds during his career at Southern Illinois while shooting 51.3 percent.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound Olaniyan played in 90 games and started 50 over the past three seasons. He graduated from Southern Illinois this summer and is immediately eligible to play for the Tide.

Olaniyan made the Missouri Valley Conference's Most Improved team last season as a fourth-year junior. Former Morehead State shooting guard Corban Collins has also joined the Tide as a graduate transfer.