Alabama basketball head coach Nate Oats is still piecing together his 2025–26 roster, with two scholarship spots remaining. While he may not fill both, it’s highly likely that at least one more player will be added within the next few weeks. However, that addition likely won’t be Labaron Philon, whose NBA draft stock currently projects him as a first-round pick. With the NBA Draft Combine approaching, Philon may rise into lottery consideration, and most expect a first-round guarantee will keep him in the draft.
Despite an offseason that hasn’t gone perfectly for Alabama, the program retains several skilled returners, a strong group of incoming transfers, and a promising trio of freshmen. Oats remains optimistic and recently shared his excitement about one specific strength he anticipates for next season: elite shooting.
During the Senior Bowl Charities Celebrity Golf Classic, Oats told reporters that the upcoming Crimson Tide team could be the best perimeter shooting group since he arrived in Tuscaloosa. Alabama shot 35.3% from three last season—ranking 95th nationally—but is expected to improve significantly.
Returning players like Latrell Wrightsell, Aden Holloway, and Houston Mallette all bring shooting credibility. Wrightsell, who made 44.7% of his threes before an Achilles injury, remains one of the top returning shooters. Holloway contributed with 41.2%, while Mallette, despite limited action last season, previously shot 41.5% at Pepperdine.
Alabama’s transfer additions also bolster its perimeter potential. Taylor Bol Bowen, a stretch-four from Florida State, hit 41.4% from deep, fitting perfectly into Oats’s system. Jalil Bethea, though less efficient last year at Miami (32.6%), has the reputation of a strong shooter and could thrive in Alabama’s system.
The Crimson Tide also feature two stretch-five options in Aiden Sherrell and Noah Williamson. Sherrell, a freshman, showed growth as a shooter late in the season, finishing 10-for-18 from three in his final games. Williamson shot 31.8% at Bucknell. While neither needs to shoot 40%, their threat from beyond the arc should enhance floor spacing—a key element of Oats’s offensive philosophy.
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