Get ready for a basketball season that could redefine Alabama's legacy on the court. With just 10 days until their first exhibition game, the Crimson Tide is gearing up for a 2025-26 season that has Coach Nate Oats buzzing with excitement—and for good reason. But here’s where it gets controversial: while last year’s team had high expectations, this year’s squad might just have a higher ceiling. Bold statement? Maybe. But let’s break it down.
Alabama kicks off its preseason with a showdown against Florida State in Birmingham on October 16th, followed by another exhibition against Furman on October 26th. The real action begins on November 3rd, when they host North Dakota to officially tip off the season. What’s different this year? For starters, the team has addressed its weaknesses from last season—namely, a lack of size at guard and an underwhelming defensive performance. With a taller backcourt and improved perimeter length, the defense is poised to take a significant leap. But there’s a catch: this hinges on Aiden Sherrell or Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson stepping up as rim protectors. And this is the part most people miss: if they can lock down the paint, Alabama’s defense could go from good to elite.
Now, let’s talk about what makes this team truly dangerous: their three-point shooting. Under Nate Oats, launching threes is a given, but this year’s squad might be the best yet. Last season, Alabama attempted 46% of their shots from beyond the arc but only made 35.3% of them—good for 95th in the nation. Compare that to their Final Four run, where they shot 37.3% from deep, ranking 19th nationally. If this team can combine elite three-point shooting with a lockdown defense, they could be unstoppable. But here’s the question: can they consistently hit those shots when it matters most?
Oats isn’t holding back his optimism. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he doubled down on his earlier claim that this could be the best shooting team he’s ever coached at Alabama. That’s a bold statement, but the roster backs it up. Latrell Wrightsell, Aden Holloway, Houston Mallette, and Taylor Bol Bowen all have 40%+ three-point seasons under their belts. Even Labaron Philon, who shot just 31.5% from deep as a freshman, showed promise by hitting 38% of his attempts in the final 14 games of last season. Add in Sherrell and Williamson, who can stretch the floor as stretch-fives, and you’ve got lineups where all five players are legitimate shooting threats.
With Philon leading the charge, this offense has the potential to be one of the nation’s best. If the defense rises to the occasion, Alabama isn’t just a contender for another NCAA Tournament run—they could be Final Four bound, or even cutting down the nets in April. But here’s the controversial question: is Oats’ confidence warranted, or is he setting the team up for unrealistic expectations? Let us know what you think in the comments. One thing’s for sure: this season is shaping up to be one for the books.
