Nate Oats says freshman forward Mo Dioubate will be able to take the court during the 2023-24 season.

The 4-star signee out of the 2023 class was seen in a knee brace and on crutches earlier this month, prompting speculation about his health and availability for the upcoming season. Alabama’s head coach put any long-term concerns to rest on Wednesday when he told several reporters that Dioubate will be able to play as a freshman. He had arthroscopic knee surgery on his left knee after going through his medical, but is expected to make a full recovery.

The Flushing, New York, native was a 4-star recruit out of the 2023 class. He was the No. 4 prospect from the state of New York and the No. 110 overall recruit in the class. Combining his 6-foot-7 frame with solid defensive instincts, Dioubate has the potential to be a disruptive force on the defensive end of the floor.

Alabama has to replace its frontcourt partnership of Noah Clowney and Charles Bediako from last year’s team, but Oats did well to reload on bigs.

North Dakota State transfer Grant Nelson made things official on Wednesday. Alabama also signed Jarin Stevenson and Sam Walters.