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Lawson Schaffer wanted a chance to prove himself. He'll get that opportunity at Alabama.
The reigning Class 6A Player of the Year from Cullman announced this afternoon that he has accepted a walk-on invitation from new Crimson Tide coach Avery Johnson. Schaffer, a 5-foot-11 guard, also had a walk-on invite from Bruce Pearl and Auburn, and UAB. Schaffer's lone Division I offer was from Furman. He was mainly pursued by Division II schools.
Schaffer said that he made his decision after returning home from a visit to Alabama on April 23.
"Meeting (Johnson) in general was awesome," Schaffer said. "When he was telling me that they wanted me to be part of the team, I was truly blessed and excited about it."
Schaffer said that he relishes the underdog role that comes with being a walk-on.
"It'll make me work twice as hard," he said. "I'm going to go in and work my tail off and hope for the best."
Schaffer finished fourth in Mr. Basketball voting behind Alabama signee Dazon Ingram of Theodore, Madison Academy 5-star guard Joshua Langford and J.O. Johnson four-star recruit John Petty. Schaffer was named first-team Super All-State by AL.com after averaging 21.4 points, 7.8 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 3.4 steals while helping lead the Bearcats (23-9) to a No. 3 ranking and a trip to the Class 6A Northwest Regional championship game.
Schaffer said that he will be roommates with Ingram.