The countdown is almost over – Crimson Tide basketball is ready to make waves again. SEC Media Day is set for October 14th, and anticipation is high with the college hoops season knocking at the door. Representing Alabama will be three standout players alongside their veteran leader: seventh-year head coach Nate Oats, sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr., and graduate guards Houston Mallette and Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
Coach Nate Oats has quietly – and sometimes loudly – built something special in Tuscaloosa. His career record with the Tide sits at 145-63, an impressive 69.7% win rate. He’s not short on recognition either, having earned SEC Coach of the Year honors in 2020-21 and landing on the prestigious Naismith Coach of the Year watch list two seasons running (2022-23 and 2023-24). Under his guidance, Alabama has produced elite talent, including Consensus All-Americans Mark Sears (Milwaukee Bucks rookie) and Brandon Miller, whose high-flying offense now excites Charlotte Hornets fans.
And then there’s Labaron Philon Jr., entering his second season after a stellar freshman campaign. Averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, Philon showed poise beyond his years. His shooting numbers – 45.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep – were solid for a first-year player. The SEC took notice, naming him to the All-Freshman Team and awarding him Freshman of the Week honors three times. The big question: Can he elevate his game even further and become one of the SEC’s breakout stars?
Houston Mallette brings veteran savvy to the mix. A fifth-year player, he’s heading into his second season with Alabama after transferring from Pepperdine. His Tide debut last year was unfortunately cut short after just six games due to a knee injury. Still, in those limited minutes, he put up 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting an eye-popping 58.2% from the field and 50% from three. If he replicates his Pepperdine scoring prowess – 1,295 points across three seasons (13.76 per game) – Alabama’s offense could be lethal.
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is another seasoned competitor, now in his sixth year of college basketball and third season with Alabama after three years at Cal State Fullerton. Early last season, Wrightsell was delivering 11.5 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game, all while maintaining jaw-dropping shooting efficiency at 50% from the field and 42.2% from three. But his season came to a heartbreaking end in the 8th game against Oregon when he ruptured his Achilles. Recovery has been long, but Coach Oats remains optimistic: “He’s been unbelievably great in the whole rehab process. We’re managing his load carefully to avoid further injuries. We anticipate him being fully ready to go by the first game.”
The Tide’s recent football victories only add to the school’s winning energy. Alabama dominated Vanderbilt 30-14, edged Georgia in a nail-biting 24-21 battle, and powered past Wisconsin 38-14 at home. The question remains – can the basketball team feed off that momentum and stun the SEC yet again this season?
But here’s where fans might split opinions: With multiple players coming back from serious injuries, will Alabama be able to hit full stride early, or will chemistry take time to gel? And if these veterans return to peak form, could we be looking at another deep March Madness run? Let’s hear it – do you think the Crimson Tide will storm the SEC or face a rocky start? Drop your thoughts below.
