Alabama’s Spot in Way-Too-Early Rankings After 2026 NBA Draft Withdrawal Deadline

A lot has changed for Alabama basketball since the 2025-26 season came to an end.

After reaching the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament, Alabama lost four players to the transfer portal: forwardsTaylor Bol BowenandAiden Sherrell, plus guardsJalil BetheaandDavion Hannah. Additionally, guardLabaron Philon Jr.is remaining in the 2026 NBA Draft, while Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Houston Mallette and Noah Williamson exhausted their collegiate eligibility.

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That said, the Crimson Tide gained four players from the transfer portal and could have five returners from this past season. This is on top of the three freshmen coming to Tuscaloosa this summer. Aden Holloway’s status for next season is still unknown, however, his court case will be dismissed if he completes the requirements of the second-chance program. Perhaps most notably, Amari Allen withdrew his name from the NBA Drafton the May 27 deadline, as he’sexpected to leadthe 2026-27 team.

Alabama has been featured in way-too-early rankings from numerous media outlets. Here’s a look at where head coach Nate Oats and company stand roughly four months before the season tips off. In parentheses is where the outlets ranked UA shortly after this past season concluded.

Sports Illustrated

Michigan State (was No. 5)

Louisville (was unranked)

“Among the biggest beneficiaries of late draft decisions was Alabama, which got ultra-productive rising sophomore Amari Allen back despite interest in the late first round,” Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney writes.

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“Allen is expected to get significant on-ball opportunities after playing in more of a glue guy role alongside Labaron Philon Jr. as a freshman, and could have a monster statistical season if he takes to that increased usage well. Around him, Alabama has emphasized positional size and depth in the frontcourt in a way we haven’t seen from the Tide under Nate Oats.”

ESPN

Michigan State (was No. 9)

North Carolina (was unranked)

“Two key questions faced Alabama…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/alabamas-spot-way-too-early-110007757.html

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Publish date : 2026-06-03 11:00:00

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