Alabama Basketball to Open Season November 3
The Crimson Tide face Sam Houston as they integrate a new recruiting class to bolster their defensive depth.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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Alabama basketball tips off its 2026-27 season on November 3 against Sam Houston. The team returns key players while integrating five high school recruits and three transfer portal additions to address defensive challenges.
Why it matters
After finishing second in the SEC last season and appearing in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth consecutive year, the program aims to improve its rebounding and defensive performance. Coaching staff focused on recruiting big men to increase competitiveness against top conference rivals.
Alabama led the nation with 91.2 points per game last season but struggled defensively, ranking 347th nationally by allowing 82.7 points per game. Returning guard Aden Holloway anchors the offense with an average of 16.8 points per game.
The players
Aden Holloway
The primary ball handler for the team who averaged 16.8 points and 3.8 assists last season.
Amari Allen
A returning forward who contributed 11.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season.
Brandon Garrison
A new transfer portal signee recruited to provide interior depth and defensive presence.
The details
To improve frontcourt production, Alabama signed Drew Fielder, Jamarion Davis-Fleming, and Brandon Garrison through the transfer portal. The roster also adds five high school signees, including Qayden Samuels and Jaxon Richardson, to support returners like Amari Allen, who averaged 6.9 rebounds per game.
Timeline
March 7, 2026: Aden Holloway competed against Auburn in Tuscaloosa.
March 22, 2026: Amari Allen played against Texas Tech in Tampa.
November 3, 2026: Alabama opens the season against Sam Houston.
Season Trajectory
The roster overhaul represents a pivot to address the defensive vulnerabilities that persisted despite the team’s high-scoring output last season. By adding size in the paint, the program aims to shift its competitive standing against conference heavyweights like Tennessee and Florida.
The acquisition of three transfer portal big men is designed to improve the team's rebounding margin and defensive efficiency. Fans can expect these additions to be central to the rotation as the team works to improve upon a 347th-ranked national defense.
The takeaway
The program is prioritizing defensive structure to balance its historically high-powered offensive output this season. Integrating new recruits quickly will be critical to sustaining their six-year streak of tournament appearances.
What happens next
Alabama tips off its 2026-27 season on November 3, 2026, against Sam Houston.
Further reading
Stay updated on the team's progress throughout the winter by following the Basketball coverage on Wisevoter.
Live Poll
Do you prefer your local college basketball team to rely on homegrown talent over transfer recruits?
