MOUNTAIN BROOK — Between Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Aden Holloway, among others, Alabama basketball is returning some proven outside shooters for the 2025-26 season. But will its defense get the necessary stops to win big games?
Coach Nate Oats is encouraged by what he’s seen in preseason practice. Particularly from the junior Holloway.
“Our backcourt defense I think has significantly improved. Going into the year, you probably would’ve said, rightfully so, that Holloway would’ve been a weak link defensively, particularly in the backcourt. I think his defense has significantly improved. He’s going a great job,” Oats said from SEC Media Days on Tuesday. “He’s getting up into guys, he’s pressuring the ball. He understands as a smaller guard, he’s got to be a lot more of a pest. I think he’s been good, he’s put on weight, he’s stronger, he’s more physical. He’s always been super-talented offensively. You’ve got him playing a lot better.”
Alabama consistently has had one of the top offenses in college basketball under Oats. Defense hasn’t always been as consistent, however. Oats is looking for improvement in that area as much as any and, in addition to Holloway, he likes what he’s seen from incoming freshmen.
“Two of our freshman perimeter guys can be elite defenders. I think Davion Hannah is maybe as good a perimeter defender as this program’s seen since maybe Herb Jones,” Oats said. “He’s elite. He moves, he’s 6-6, he’s athletic, he’s tough, he can guard 1 through 4. Amari Allen is right there with him at 6-7, and competes, is tough.”
The Crimson Tide opens the regular season at home against North Dakota on Nov. 3.
Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread.