Gage Mayfield could be the first Hale County player to join Alabama basketball since 2017 alum Herb Jones. Why the 2026 recruit draws comparisons.
Gage Mayfield, a 6’8″ forward from Hale County High School in Alabama, has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising recruits in the 2026 class. His rise has drawn comparisons to former Alabama standout Herb Jones, the last player from Hale County to join the Crimson Tide’s basketball program. These comparisons are rooted in both players’ shared backgrounds and their multifaceted skill sets.
Herb Jones, a native of Greensboro, Alabama, transferred to Hale County High School in Moundville for his junior year. Under the guidance of his father, who served as an assistant coach, Jones led the team to a Class 4A state championship in 2017. His performance earned him the title of Class 4A Player of the Year. Jones went on to play for the University of Alabama, where he became a standout defender and was named the SEC Player of the Year in 2021. He was later drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2021 NBA Draft and has since been recognized for his defensive prowess, earning an NBA All-Defensive First Team selection in 2024 .
Gage Mayfield’s journey mirrors that of Jones in several ways. Both players hail from small towns in Alabama and have showcased their talents on the state stage. Mayfield’s impressive performances have placed him among the top five players in Alabama’s 2026 class . His versatility on the court, characterized by his athleticism and defensive capabilities, has drawn parallels to Jones’s playing style. Scouts have noted Mayfield’s ability to impact the game in multiple facets, much like Jones did during his tenure at Alabama.
The potential of Mayfield joining the Alabama basketball program is significant. Not only would it continue the legacy of Hale County players contributing to the Crimson Tide, but it would also bring a player with a skill set reminiscent of one of the program’s recent stars. As Mayfield’s recruitment progresses, the basketball community will be keenly watching to see if he can follow in the footsteps of Herb Jones and make his mark at Alabama.
