Alabama Men’s Basketball: 2025-26 Season Preview for No. 15 Team
Alabama Men’s Basketball is set to launch its 2025-26 season with high expectations as the No. 15 ranked Crimson Tide faces North Dakota. The game will take place in Coleman Coliseum at 7 p.m. CT tonight, marking head coach Nate Oats’ seventh season at the helm.
Season Overview
Last year’s campaign concluded with Alabama ranked No. 6 after a tough loss against Duke in the Elite Eight. The 2024-25 preseason AP Top 25 had Alabama at No. 2, the program’s highest ranking to date. They maintained a top-10 position throughout the previous season, confronting the toughest strength of schedule in the country.
Offseason Changes
- Four starters from last season are no longer with the team due to eligibility exhaustion.
- Guard Labaron Philon withdrew from the NBA Draft and is one of five returning players.
- Four players transferred out, while five new transfers joined, along with four freshmen recruits.
- Chris Fleming was hired as an assistant coach, replacing Ryan Pannone.
- Erwin Dudley was promoted to special assistant to the head coach.
Preseason Performance
Alabama excelled in its preseason scrimmages, narrowly defeating Florida State 109-105 and overpowering Furman 96-71. With a revamped roster, Oats is preparing for a challenging non-conference schedule.
Challenging Non-Conference Schedule
Alabama will face ranked opponents, including:
- No. 1 Purdue
- No. 5 St. John’s
- No. 13 Arizona
- No. 17 Illinois
- No. 21 Gonzaga
Looking Ahead
Returning players, especially Philon, will play pivotal roles. Philon, who averaged 10.4 points and 3.8 assists per game last season, is expected to elevate his performance as a leader. Oats noted, “He needs to take more ownership of the team.”
New Talent
The 2025-26 roster includes several talents who have shown promise this offseason:
- Aden Holloway, a former Auburn guard, has been a significant offensive contributor.
- Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is making his comeback after an injury.
- Aiden Sherrell and Taylor Bol Bowen bring vital experience and depth to the forward positions.
Defensive Strategy
Alabama’s defensive capabilities will be crucial as the season progresses. Coach Oats emphasized the importance of adapting to both offensive and defensive challenges. The team aims for a balanced mix of shooting styles, having ranked high in two-point shooting last season.
Conference Expectations
Despite their success, the Southeastern Conference media predicts Alabama to finish fourth in the upcoming season, trailing behind Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee. This prediction serves as motivation as the Crimson Tide aim for a deep run come March.
As the season unfolds, Alabama Men’s Basketball looks to leverage its talent and experience, making the 2025-26 season one to watch.
