Get ready for a basketball season that promises to be nothing short of electrifying! SEC Media Day is just around the corner on October 14th, and the Alabama Crimson Tide Men’s Basketball Team is gearing up to make waves. But here’s where it gets exciting: the team will be represented by a powerhouse lineup—seventh-year head coach Nate Oats, sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr., and graduate guards Houston Mallette and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. Each of these players brings a unique story and skill set to the table, and their journey is one you won’t want to miss.
Nate Oats isn’t just a coach; he’s a proven winner. With a staggering 145-63 record (69.7% win percentage), Oats has transformed Alabama into a force to be reckoned with. His accolades speak for themselves: SEC Coach of the Year in 2020-21, and back-to-back appearances on the Naismith Coach of the Year watch list in 2022-23 and 2023-24. But what’s truly impressive is his ability to develop talent. Oats has coached two Consensus All-Americans—Milwaukee Bucks guard Mark Sears and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller. But here’s the controversial part: Can Oats take this team to the next level and secure a national championship? Only time will tell.
Labaron Philon Jr. is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of. After an outstanding freshman year, he’s poised to make an even bigger impact. Averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, Philon Jr. showcased efficiency beyond his years, shooting 45.2% from the field and 31.5% from three. His SEC All-Freshman Team honors and three Freshman of the Week awards are just the beginning. The question is: Can he handle the pressure of being a sophomore leader?
Houston Mallette is a fifth-year player with a story of resilience. After transferring from Pepperdine, his first season with the Tide was cut short by a knee injury after just six games. But in those limited minutes, he showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and shooting 58.2% from the field and 50% from three. If he can return to the form that saw him score 1,295 points in three years at Pepperdine, he could be a game-changer. But here’s the catch: Will his injury history hold him back, or will he rise above it?
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is no stranger to adversity. Heading into his sixth year of college basketball, he’s battled through injuries and transfers, yet his talent remains undeniable. In the first eight games of last season, he averaged 11.5 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and 42.2% from three. Unfortunately, an Achilles rupture sidelined him for the rest of the season. Coach Oats recently shared, ‘He’s been unbelievably great in the whole rehab process… We anticipate him being fully ready to go by the first game.’ The big question: Can Wrightsell Jr. return to form and become the impact player the Tide needs?
As the season approaches, the Crimson Tide’s journey is filled with potential, challenges, and storylines that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. But here’s the thought-provoking question for you: With such a talented roster and a proven coach, is this the year Alabama finally breaks through and makes a deep NCAA Tournament run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
