Nate Oats reveals plan for Aden Holloway in 2026-27 debut
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The Alabama Crimson Tide offense early in the 2026 college basketball season has been a well-oiled machine. Nate Oats team has posted a combined 197 points in two games, and gets talented guard Aden Holloway back from suspension on Monday vs. Oakland.
If any fans wondered about Oats’ potential worries regarding Holloway’s integration into the lineup, they need no longer ponder. According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Oats intends to give Holloway “starter minutes” vs. the Golden Grizzlies.
Holloway’s heavy workload could also come as a result of an injury to Jaxon Richardson. The highly regarded freshman missed Alabama’s 101-86 victory over Arkansas State three days after making his collegiate debut vs. Sam Houston State. He recorded four points, four rebounds and an assist against the Bearkats.
Holloway, a senior, transferred to Tuscaloosa after spending his freshman season (2023-24) with Auburn. He scored 16.8 points per game on the back of 43.8% shooting from three-point range in 2025-26. Together with Labaron Philon, he created one of the most electric backcourts in the country.
Alabama has reached the Sweet Sixteen in five of the last six seasons and made the 2024 Final Four. The Crimson Tide believe they can get even further with Holloway back in the fold. Tip between Oakland and Alabama is 7:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network+).
