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Alabama men's basketball has had a few notable moments in recent years. In the 2023-24 season, the team started strong with a blowout win against Morehead State in their season opener. Newcomer Grant Nelson led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds. The team also had multiple exhibition games scheduled for the 2025-26 season, with a challenging out-of-conference schedule. Over the years, several Alabama players have gone on to play in the NBA, and the team consistently attracts attention and generates discussion among fans and followers of college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alabama men's basketball season opener opponent | Morehead State |
| Alabama men's basketball senior forward | Max Scharnowski |
| Alabama coach | Nate Oats |
| Alabama player who transferred in from North Dakota State | Grant Nelson |
| New president of the Crimson Chaos student section | Jacob Pickle |
| Athletics director | Greg Bryne |
| Mother of late Alabama hoops superfan Luke Ratliff | Pamela Ratliff |
| Player for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets who was present | Brandon Miller |
| Morehead State coach | Preston Spradlin |
| Player who led Morehead State in loss with 19 points | Riley Minix |
| Player who added 14 points | Jordan Lathan |
| Freshman who saw his first action in the game | Jarin Stevenson |
| Alabama basketball players | Clifford Omoruyi, Davin Cosby |
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What You'll Learn
Alabama men's basketball blows out Morehead State in season opener
The Alabama men's basketball team started their season with a blowout victory over Morehead State, winning 105-73. The game, which took place in Coleman Coliseum, was the season opener for both teams.
The Crimson Tide dominated from the start, scoring 20 points before Morehead State could respond. Alabama's Grant Nelson, a North Dakota State transfer, was a standout player, leading the team with 24 points and seven rebounds. He was supported by fellow newcomer Aaron Estrada, who added 16 points, including a 3-pointer just seven seconds into his Alabama debut. Mark Sears, the top returning scorer, contributed 13 points and five assists, while freshman Jarin Stevenson impressed in the second half, scoring 10 of his 12 points after halftime.
Alabama's strong start was attributed to their top transfer players, with Nelson and Estrada combining for 23 of the team's first 37 points. The Tide made their first seven shots and their first 20 free throws, showcasing their offensive prowess. Alabama's defence was also solid, out-rebounding Morehead State 27-12, including a 10-4 edge on offensive boards.
Despite a few letdowns, Alabama maintained their lead throughout the game. Head Coach Nate Oats expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "I thought it was a great start to the season. We started well tonight and jumped out of the gate. I was pleased with where our heads were at to start the game."
The victory marked Alabama's fourth consecutive season-opening win, while Morehead State, who were without their star player Mark Freeman, suffered an early setback to their campaign.
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Newcomer Grant Nelson leads the way for Alabama
Grant Nelson, a North Dakota native, joined the Alabama Crimson Tide as a transfer student in June 2023. He had previously played college basketball for three seasons at North Dakota State, where he had committed after a successful high school career that saw him named North Dakota Mr. Basketball in 2020.
Nelson's arrival at Alabama sparked high expectations, and he quickly made an impact. During his junior season, a highlight reel of his play went viral in early January 2023, showcasing his impressive abilities on the court. He averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game that season, shooting an impressive 52.1% from the field.
As a newcomer to the Alabama Crimson Tide, Grant Nelson continued to excel and make significant contributions to the team's success. In a Sweet 16 game against North Carolina, Nelson achieved a remarkable feat. He became the first player since Kevin Love of UCLA in 2008, and the first SEC player since Joakim Noah of Florida in 2006, to record 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a single game. Nelson's outstanding performance included 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks, solidifying his role as a key player for the Crimson Tide.
Throughout the NCAA Tournament, Nelson maintained his stellar level of play. He averaged 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, showcasing his consistency and all-around ability. He posted four double-doubles, two of which came during the tournament against prominent opponents: North Carolina (24 points, 12 rebounds) and UConn (19 points, 15 rebounds). Nelson's presence inside the paint created a strong defensive presence for Alabama, altering shots and providing crucial rebounds.
Grant Nelson's impact on the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team was immediate and significant. His strong defensive skills and impressive offensive performances established him as a key player and a driving force for the team's success. Nelson's decision to transfer to Alabama proved to be a pivotal moment, elevating his own career and the fortunes of the Crimson Tide.
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The Crimson Chaos student section gets a new president
The Crimson Chaos student section has elected a new president, Jacob Pickle, who received his plaid jacket from athletics director Greg Bryne and Pamela Ratliff, the mother of the late Alabama superfan Luke Ratliff. The ceremony marked the beginning of the basketball season, with the NBA's Charlotte Hornets player Brandon Miller in attendance. The Alabama men's basketball team blew out Morehead State in their season opener, with a final score of 105-73. Newcomer Grant Nelson led the way for Alabama, finishing with a team-leading 24 points, including a massive dunk in the second half, and seven rebounds. The Crimson Tide led 67-45 at the under-16 timeout and extended their lead to 74-50 at the under-12 mark, dominating the game and leaving the Eagles with little chance of a comeback.
The game saw the Alabama basketball senior forward, Max Scharnowski, tasked with greeting the team's starters during introductions. Scharnowski initially stood on the wrong side of the fog machine but quickly figured out the issue and adjusted his position. The Alabama coach, Nate Oats, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their ability to play all 11 healthy scholarship guys. The Morehead State coach, Preston Spradlin, also commended the Alabama team and their coach, acknowledging the challenge of integrating 10 new players while maintaining their identity and style of play.
The Crimson Chaos student section plays a vital role in supporting and cheering on the Alabama men's basketball team. The section is known for its enthusiasm and energy, creating a vibrant atmosphere during the games. The new president, Jacob Pickle, has the responsibility of leading and organizing the student section, ensuring their passionate support for the team throughout the season.
As the new president, Pickle will work closely with the athletics department and the university to enhance the game-day experience for students and fans. He will also collaborate with the student body to encourage attendance and engagement during the basketball games, fostering a sense of community and school spirit. The student section's presence and enthusiasm can significantly impact the team's performance, creating a home-court advantage and energizing the players on the court.
With the season off to a strong start, the Alabama men's basketball team looks forward to the rest of the 2023-24 season with confidence. The team has multiple exhibition games scheduled ahead of the 2025-26 season, and the players and coaches are committed to improving and building on their early success. The combination of dedicated coaches, talented players, and a passionate student section sets the stage for an exciting and competitive basketball season for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
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Alabama men's basketball schedule for 2025-26 season
The Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team has a busy schedule for the 2025-26 season, with a host of challenging opponents ahead. The Tide will compete in several exhibition games before the season officially tips off. These include Ballin in Boutwell vs. Florida State on October 16 and a game at Furman on October 26.
The regular season will see Alabama face off against some of the top-ranked teams in the country. Five of their non-conference opponents are ranked in ESPN's Way-Too-Early Top 25: Purdue (No.1), St. John's (No. 5), Arizona (No. 13), Illinois (No. 16), and Gonzaga (No. 19). Alabama will play six neutral-site games, including two in-state: against Arizona on December 13 as part of the C.M. Newton Classic in Birmingham, and another yet-to-be-announced game.
Head Coach Nate Oats will face off against two of the most successful coaches in college basketball history: Rick Pitino of St. John's and Mark Few of Gonzaga. The Crimson Tide will also match up against three conference champions from last season: St. John's (Big East), Gonzaga (WCC), and Yale (Ivy League). Oats will coach against three of his former assistant coaches: Austin Claunch (UTSA), Bryan Hodgson (South Florida), and Antoine Pettway (Kennesaw State).
The Tide will also compete in the SEC, facing 10 opponents ranked in ESPN's Way-Too-Early Top 25. Alabama men's basketball is coming off a successful 2023-24 season, where they blew out Morehead State in their season opener, with a final score of 105-73. Newcomer Grant Nelson led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds.
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Alabama Crimson Tide vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks
On December 18, 2024, the Alabama Crimson Tide faced off against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in a closely contested matchup. The game was scheduled by Alabama coach Nate Oats as a favour to Grant Nelson, a player from North Dakota returning to his home state. The Crimson Tide emerged victorious with a final score of 97-90, but the Fighting Hawks put up a strong fight throughout the game.
The first half was a challenge for Alabama, as they trailed for 17 of the first 20 minutes. The Fighting Hawks, led by Treysen Eaglestaff's impressive performance, gave Alabama a tough time. Eaglestaff, who scored career-highs of 40 points and eight 3-pointers, overshadowed Nelson's homecoming. The Hawks also took advantage of Alabama's 13 turnovers in the opening half and built a nine-point lead before the Tide narrowed the gap to 38-35 at halftime.
In the second half, Alabama managed to turn the tide and gain the upper hand. Despite the Fighting Hawks' resilient performance, the Crimson Tide's experience and depth proved to be decisive factors. Grant Nelson had a strong showing with 23 points and 10 rebounds, contributing significantly to Alabama's victory.
The Fighting Hawks, despite their valiant effort, were unable to maintain their early momentum in the second half. They put up a brave fight but ultimately fell short, continuing their winless streak against ranked opponents since moving up to Division I in 2008-09. For Alabama, the game served as a valuable lesson in overcoming adversity on the road, as acknowledged by coach Nate Oats in his post-game interview.
The game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with the Crimson Tide ultimately pulling through. The final score of 97-90 reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with Alabama's ability to adjust and respond to the Fighting Hawks' strong start proving crucial to their victory.
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Frequently asked questions
Alabama men's basketball team blew out Morehead State in their season opener in 2023 with a final score of 105-73.
Newcomer Grant Nelson led the way for Alabama in his first game, finishing with a team-leading 24 points and seven rebounds.
Alabama coach Nate Oats said, "I thought our guys played well. We were able to play basically all 11 healthy scholarship guys, which was nice in the first game."
As of July 2025, Alabama basketball has multiple exhibition games scheduled ahead of the 2025-26 season.
