ATLANTA — Isaiah Range withdrew from the transfer porter, returning to play for the Alabama State Hornets in 2023-24. The senior guard was the top scorer for the Alabama State men's basketball team last season.
Range emerged as one of the key pieces for Coach Tony Madlock during his first year of leading the program. Last season, the 6-4 guard led Alabama State by averaging 14 points per game, the fourth-best in the SWAC. Also, Range led the team in 3-pointers made (53) and 3-point percentage (42.7%), the former of which was top-10 in the conference.
Alabama State had a rough first season under Madlock, finishing 8-23 overall with a 6-12 SWAC record.
The unfortunate trend continued for the Hornets this offseason when news broke that leading rebounder Jordan O'Neal entered the transfer portal in March, and Range followed on April 12.
With The Portal Report, O'Neal said he'd move a state over and join former Alabama State coach Mo Williams and the Jackson State Tigers.
The following season was shaping up to be another struggle with two statistical leaders off the roster. Range changed his mind and will return to Montgomery, significantly improving the Hornets' outlook for next season.
Range returns to a roster that houses last season's reigning 2022 SWAC Newcomer of the Year, Antonio "TJ" Madlock — the only other double-digit scorer. Bama State projects to have a better offense with the offseason additions of:
- NAIA All-American and Conference Player of the Year CJ Hines (21.4 PPG last season)
- Georgetown transfer and former Georgia high school Region 3-AAA Player of the Year D'Ante Bass
- Memphis transfer Tadarius Jacobs
- Micah Octave, a 6-foot-5 guard who averaged just under 15 points per game for Indian River State College
In the upcoming 2023-24 season, the Hornets can expect a boost in their interior game with the return of 6-foot-10 forward Jasteven Walker, who missed the previous season due to an injury.
With all of the pieces in place, having Range back with Alabama State gives Coach Madlock a proven scorer that can take the pressure off his teammates. That said, the new additions will also take pressure off Range, who won't have to carry most of the offensive load.
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