The University of Alabama men's basketball program has added one of the state's most accomplished high school players as Lawson Schaeffer of Cullman High School announced on Thursday that he would accept a spot as an invited walk-on for the Crimson Tide, selecting UA over similar walk-on opportunities at Auburn and UAB.
Schaeffer, a 5-foot-11 guard, averaged 21 points and seven assists per game in leading Cullman to a 29-6 record last season and was chosen as the AHSAA Class 6A Player of the Year. He had a scholarship offer from Furman, as well as several schools at the Division II level.
"It was stressful," Schaeffer told reporters following a commitment ceremony at Cullman High School. "All three (in-state schools) were great choices. I couldn't go wrong picking any of the three."
Schaeffer visited Alabama on April 23 and said his meeting with new Crimson Tide head coach Avery Johnson was a major factor in his decision.
As an invited walk-on, Schaeffer will not count against Alabama's limit of 13 scholarships. With the post-season addition of guard Dazon Ingram and Memphis transfer Nick King, Alabama currently has 11 players on scholarship, although King must sit out next season. Johnson, speaking at a Crimson Caravan event in Dothan on Tuesday, said Alabama is still looking to fill those spots, preferably with a small forward and a post player.
Schaeffer, a 5-foot-11 guard, averaged 21 points and seven assists per game in leading Cullman to a 29-6 record last season and was chosen as the AHSAA Class 6A Player of the Year. He had a scholarship offer from Furman, as well as several schools at the Division II level.
"It was stressful," Schaeffer told reporters following a commitment ceremony at Cullman High School. "All three (in-state schools) were great choices. I couldn't go wrong picking any of the three."
Schaeffer visited Alabama on April 23 and said his meeting with new Crimson Tide head coach Avery Johnson was a major factor in his decision.
As an invited walk-on, Schaeffer will not count against Alabama's limit of 13 scholarships. With the post-season addition of guard Dazon Ingram and Memphis transfer Nick King, Alabama currently has 11 players on scholarship, although King must sit out next season. Johnson, speaking at a Crimson Caravan event in Dothan on Tuesday, said Alabama is still looking to fill those spots, preferably with a small forward and a post player.
