Alabama signs juco standout

Alabama basketball coach Anthony Grant is looking for immediate help to push his squad over the hump for next season, and on Sunday the first-year head coach landed a talented JUCO guard when Weatherford Community College (Tex.) star Kendall Durant pulled the trigger.

"I went to Alabama this weekend for my visit and I just fell in love with the place. I committed and signed. I didn't wanna leave when the visit was over. I was supposed to take other visits but I knew I would be wasting everyone's time because Alabama was the place for me. I knew it almost the minute I got there," said Durant, who stands 6-foot-3, 185 pounds. "I was amazed at the atmosphere. I went to the spring game and the fans were great. The love they have there for the sports program made me feel like it was one big family. At the tailgates nobody knew who I was because I didn't have a name tag on, but they were friendly and everyone just loves Alabama. I doubt there is a better family atmosphere anywhere in the country."

Durant originally signed with Virginia Tech out of New Hampton (New Hampshire) High School.

"Coach Brannen recruited me and he was great. I have known him from my first time through the process and he stuck with me. That means a lot. He's just a great guy and everything he told me was just like he said. He's a honest man," said Durant. "Coach Grant is a great guy too. He came to see me play and let me know he wanted me not only to play basketball but also get a great education. That's important to him and me. I love how they have the academics set up for the players. Everything they need to succeed is in place. All you have to do is the work."

Durant, a combo guard who average 16 points per game this season and 15 last season, held offers from South Carolina, Colorado, Penn State, Tulsa, VCU and Virginia Tech.