Nate Oats gas firm support in seeing a redemption campaign out of Aden Holloway throughout the course of the Alabama Crimson Tide's 2026-27 campaign.
Oats has been a college basketball head coach since 2015, going through his eighth season with the Crimson Tide. He shines as one of the best coaches in the country, having led Alabama to its first Final Four in 2024. They often make solid runs in the NCAA Tournament, seeking their seventh straight appearance this season.
Oats spoke with media ahead of the Crimson Tide's second home contest this season on Thursday, per reporter Nick Kelly. He mentioned players who will be crucial to the team's success this season, noting Holloway's presence on the roster.
The Alabama basketball guard was arrested in March on marijuana possession charges, which resulted in his suspension for the NCAA tournament. All charges have since been dismissed after he completed the second-chance program.
Holloway returned to workouts during the summer and then was reinstated to the roster about a month ago. Then Holloway was suspended for the three exhibition games and first two regular-season games.
“I think Aden, he’s going to be one of them,” Oats said. “Nobody probably would have said that these last two years, but I think he’s been elite at it here for the last really since he got back with us this summer.”
Article Continues Below“Honestly, Holloway’s changed. I can’t wait for you guys to see him as a person, talk to him,” Oats said. “I think when you see Aden Holloway and what he’s about, how he talks to you, how he talks to his teammates, how he plays the game of basketball. Sometimes, how you handle some adversity in life shows a lot more about you, your character than maybe what got you into the adversity in the first place.”
Alabama began its season with a 96-74 blowout win over Sam Houston. They look forward to their next home contest, hosting Arkansas State on Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET.