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The Tuscaloosa News
My thoughts on Alabama basketball roster for 2024-25 | Kelly
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- My thoughts on Alabama basketball roster for 2024-25 | Kelly
Alabama basketball has a roster that can compete for a national championship.
It doesn't mean it will win one, but the group is capable of doing so. There's that much talent, that much depth and that much experience.
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The trick will be figuring out how to put the pieces of this roster puzzle together. The summer will be key for the coaching staff figuring out exactly what it has, who is best suited for what role and which lineups give Alabama the best chance to succeed.
Much is to be decided, much is to be proven and much is to be gleaned. Oats and company are just starting the process of what will be a season-long task of managing a roster filled to the brim with talent and options. Alabama has nine or 10 players who have a legitimate claim to the starting lineup on many rosters.
Here's an overview of the 13-man group, now that it has been finalized with my thoughts on each player.
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Mark Sears, guard
His decision to return gives Alabama one of the top rosters in the country, if not the top one. Bringing back the second-team consensus All-America guard provides the Crimson Tide not only a top scorer but an experienced player who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Aden Holloway, guard
The potential is there and he figures to fit the Alabama system better than Auburn's. The key for Holloway will be getting his confidence back as a shooter. Even if Holloway doesn't start, he figures to get good minutes and there's reason for optimism for the impact he can have with a fresh start in Tuscaloosa.
Mar 22, 2024; Spokane, WA, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Aden Holloway (1) attempts a layup against Yale Bulldogs guard Bez Mbeng (2) during the second half of a game in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Labaron Philon, guard
Don't be surprised if Philon finds a way to work his way into some quality playing time. He probably won't be a starter as a freshman, but he can help this team. He and Holloway are in a position to help lighten the load for Sears at point guard. Early returns on Philon are good and his progress will be worth monitoring.
July 5, 2023; North Augusta, S.C., USA; Team Thad Labaron Philon (11) shoots the ball during the Team Thad and NJ Scholars game at third day of the Peach Jam in Riverview Park Activities Center. Team Thad defeated NJ Scholars 67-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Network
Latrell Wrightsell Jr., guard
The key for Wrightsell will be staying healthy. Because when he's healthy, he's one of the most efficient players in the country and one of Alabama's better defenders. He will be an integral part of this stacked lineup. Wrightsell is a likely starter.
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Chris Youngblood, guard
He's tough, he's physical, he's got size (6-foot-4, 218 pounds) and he's got a chance to be a good leader for this team. Youngblood figures to be one of the front runners for best perimeter defender on the team. Oh, and he can shoot. He was 41.6% from 3-point range last season.
Mar 16, 2024; Fort Worth, TX, USA; South Florida Bulls guard Chris Youngblood (3) drives to the basket and is fouled by UAB Blazers guard Eric Gaines (4) during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Mallette, guard
The Pepperdine transfer brings experience, leadership and skill. He's got a chance to be really good for the Crimson Tide. Mallette can be a catch-and-shoot player, and as crowded as the lineup will be, there figures to be a role for him.
Jan 18, 2024; Malibu, California, USA; Pepperdine Waves guard Houston Mallette (0) heads down court after a 3-point basket in the first half at Firestone Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Naas Cunningham, guard
The four-star freshman is a long guard at 6-foot-7 who can help Alabama. The question is where he fits into the lineup and what his role will be. It will be up to him to carve out that role and for the coaching staff to find the best way to use him in the crowded group of talented players.
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Derrion Reid, forward
Reid could very well be the best NBA prospect on the team. If not the top one, he's certainly up there. The five-star McDonald's All-American earned a spot on the USA Basketball men's U18 national team. Reid, the 6-foot-8, 200 pound forward, has a chance to make an impact his freshman season too. How big of a role depends on how he progresses, but the talent is there. He's the fourth-highest rated signee in Alabama's history; only Colin Sexton, Brandon Miller and JD Davison rank ahead of him.
Grant Nelson, forward
So long as Nelson can string together more performances like he had against UNC in the Sweet 16 (24 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks), he can dominate this season. The fact he will be able to play at the No. 4 spot as a power forward will allow him to be in a more effective spot for him rather than having to play the No. 5 spot like he did sometimes this past season.
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Jarin Stevenson, forward
One of Alabama's top NBA prospects on the roster, he decided to return for a second season and could be in line for a big next step. He could be the latest player to benefit from another year in the system, and it's certainly worth noting he was supposed to only now be a true college freshman. But Stevenson reclassified a season ago, otherwise he was set to be a high school senior. He showcased his potential against Clemson in the Elite Eight (19 points, five triples). Now, he will look to grow and take the next step in his game. There's no reason to believe he won't.
Mar 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Jarin Stevenson (15) reacts in the second half against the Clemson Tigers in the finals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mo Dioubate, forward
Dioubate is physical and he can help win games. That much was evident in the NCAA Tournament win over Grand Canyon. He's tough and there should be a role for him. The question the coaching staff will have to determine for the 6-foot-7, 215-pound sophomore is where he fits exactly.
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Aiden Sherrell, forward
Sherrell might not start, but he's going to play a lot. The five-star McDonald's All-American is skilled, can shoot from the perimeter and block shots. He and Cliff Omoruyi should form a strong duo at the No. 5 spot in the lineup.
Cliff Omoruyi, center
The addition of the former Rutgers center gave Alabama the signature piece of the offseason and the shot blocker it needed badly this past season. He's not only going to be a cornerstone piece on defense but a valuable player on offense too.
Nick Kelly
Nick Kelly is the Alabama beat writer for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network, and he covers Alabama football and men's basketball. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him @_NickKelly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter .
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball roster breakdown: My thoughts | Kelly
