How Six NBA Draft Prospects Were Impacted by Alabama in 2025-26

NEW YORK – Alabama basketball assembles the toughest schedule in all of college basketball on an annual basis. The Crimson Tide was first in the country in strength of schedule for four consecutive seasons before it was No. 2 in 2025-26.

This past season’s opponents featured many players in what has been widely regarded as a stellar NBA Draft class. Many of them were invited to attend the 2026 NBA Draft, joining Alabama’s own Labaron Philon Jr.

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BamaCentral spoke with six of these standouts in New York City on Monday about their experiences against the Crimson Tide and head coach Nate Oats’ style. Some of the prospects also discussed how facing Alabama impacted them ahead of tonight’s draft in Brooklyn, New York.

Christian Anderson Jr., Guard, Texas Tech

Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) dribbles the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (3) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Result vs. Alabama: Lost 90-65 in Tampa on March 22 (NCAA Tournament Round of 32)

Stats vs. Alabama: 7 points (2 of 11 shooting), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 4 steals, 2 turnovers, 37 minutes

Sophomore Season Averages: 18.5 points (.472/.415/.805 shooting splits), 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.2 blocks, 3.3 turnovers, 38.4 minutes

How Texas Tech Finished Season: 23-11(12-6 Big 12); Lost to Alabama in Round of 32

“I would say I’ve grown a lot [since the Round of 32],” Anderson said. “Obviously, it was the last game of the season and you could say it was probably the worst game of the season. But up to that point, we dealt with so much stuff, fought back, went through so much adversity and I feel just that overall we grew as people.

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“But in the offseason, working on my game, learning about different things I could’ve done better after watching game film and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/six-nba-draft-prospects-were-110008393.html

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Publish date : 2026-06-23 11:00:00

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