Return it: Returning to “Bama hoops” are a core group of seasoned players and dynamic freshmen.

The University of Alabama basketball program is preparing for another exciting season, one filled with promise and potential. The Crimson Tide, led by head coach Nate Oats, are set to build upon their recent successes and further establish themselves as a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. As the team heads into this season, they are blessed with a strong mix of experienced returners and talented newcomers, making for a perfect blend of stability and youthful energy.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the core group of returning players, the incoming freshmen, and how their combined talents can help the Crimson Tide achieve their goals for the upcoming season.

A Seasoned Group of Returners

When you think of a successful college basketball program, the return of experienced players often marks the difference between a good team and a great one. For Alabama, this year’s returning core brings a combination of skills, leadership, and familiarity with Coach Oats’ fast-paced, high-pressure style of play. Several key players are back for another season, and their contributions will be crucial to the team’s success.

Jahvon Quinerly
At the top of the list of returning players is Jahvon Quinerly, a senior point guard who has been an integral part of the team for several years. Quinerly’s ability to run the offense and make plays for himself and his teammates makes him the engine of Alabama’s attack. Last season, he showcased his leadership and poise in critical moments, and his return provides Coach Oats with a steadying influence in the backcourt. Quinerly is known for his excellent ball-handling skills, court vision, and ability to score in clutch moments. His experience in big games will prove invaluable as Alabama aims for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller, another returning player who could play a pivotal role for the Crimson Tide, is expected to take on an even bigger role this season. After showing flashes of his potential in the previous season, Miller is now poised to emerge as one of the top players in the SEC. Standing at 6’9″ with the versatility to play both forward positions, Miller possesses the skills to dominate both inside and on the perimeter. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring abilities will be key to Alabama’s success, and his leadership on the court will be critical to the team’s overall performance.

Noah Gurley
Noah Gurley, a graduate transfer forward, is another player who has shown tremendous value to the team. Coming from Furman University, Gurley brought a wealth of experience with him when he transferred to Alabama. Known for his basketball IQ, defensive prowess, and scoring ability, Gurley will be expected to provide veteran leadership, especially in high-pressure situations. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting will be important, as Oats looks to continue implementing a positionless, up-tempo system.

Charles Bediako
Charles Bediako, the 6’11” center, provides Alabama with a physical presence in the paint. His shot-blocking ability, combined with his rebounding skills, makes him a key part of the Crimson Tide’s defensive identity. Bediako is also a capable scorer around the basket and a key asset on pick-and-roll plays. His development over the course of last season has been encouraging, and with another year under his belt, Bediako is poised to take the next step in his progression. His rim protection and presence in the middle will be critical for Alabama’s defense.

Jaden Bradley
Jaden Bradley, another returning player, has shown flashes of greatness as a freshman. With a season of experience under his belt, Bradley’s development will be critical to the team’s backcourt depth. A dynamic guard with the ability to score, facilitate, and play solid defense, Bradley will provide depth to the guard positions and bring another playmaking option for Coach Oats. His decision-making and ability to keep the offense flowing will be pivotal to Alabama’s success in both fast breaks and half-court sets.

The Team’s Identity and Playing Style
One of the key attributes of Coach Oats’ system is his emphasis on defense, fast breaks, and high-volume shooting from beyond the arc. This style has brought Alabama significant success over the past few seasons, and with the returning players, there’s no reason to believe that it won’t continue to thrive. The core group of returners has already shown they can execute this style with precision, and with each of them now more comfortable in Oats’ system, the Crimson Tide will be a formidable opponent for any team in the SEC and beyond.

The Freshmen: Dynamic Newcomers to the Program

While the return of veteran players gives Alabama a strong foundation, the arrival of a dynamic group of freshmen will add new energy and excitement to the team. These young players are expected to make an immediate impact, with each of them bringing a unique skill set to the table. The influx of talent through the recruiting pipeline has been impressive, and Coach Oats has shown a remarkable ability to develop young players quickly.

Mark Sears
A highly touted freshman, Mark Sears has the potential to be an instant contributor for Alabama. Sears is an athletic wing with great scoring ability. Known for his quickness, strong defensive instincts, and ability to create his own shot, Sears brings a level of dynamism to the wing position. His shooting touch and ability to stretch the floor with outside shooting will help open up the offense, and his high basketball IQ will make him an asset in Coach Oats’ fast-paced offense. Sears is expected to play a key role in Alabama’s quest to compete at the highest level in the SEC.

Rylan Griffen
Rylan Griffen, a freshman guard, is another standout prospect who could see significant playing time. Known for his sharp shooting and versatility, Griffen has the ability to make plays both on and off the ball. His defensive capabilities are also noteworthy, as he is capable of guarding multiple positions and disrupting opposing offenses. Griffen has a competitive edge and the mentality to thrive in big-game situations, making him one of the freshmen to watch this season.

Aidan Mahaney
Aidan Mahaney is a versatile forward who will bring another layer of depth to Alabama’s lineup. Mahaney is skilled both offensively and defensively, able to play inside and outside. His ability to stretch the floor with shooting and provide additional rebounding will help the Crimson Tide remain competitive in both fast breaks and half-court sets. Mahaney’s physicality and energy are also qualities that Coach Oats will likely value as the season progresses.

Team Goals and Expectations for the Season

With a mix of experienced returners and talented newcomers, Alabama’s goals for the upcoming season are clear: to compete for an SEC championship and to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The team has the talent to achieve both objectives, but much of their success will depend on how well the freshmen acclimate to the college game and how the returning players continue to develop their leadership.

Coach Oats has done an excellent job of building a team that plays an up-tempo, high-energy style of basketball. However, as the team grows and matures, Alabama will also need to refine its execution in the half-court offense and improve upon areas like rebounding and consistency on defense. If the freshmen can step up and contribute right away while the experienced players continue to lead by example, Alabama will be poised to compete at the highest levels of college basketball.

The combination of returning players like Quinerly, Miller, Gurley, Bediako, and Bradley with dynamic newcomers such as Sears, Griffen, and Mahaney gives the Crimson Tide the tools they need to not only challenge for an SEC title but also to make a run at a Final Four appearance. It’s a season of great promise and anticipation for Alabama hoops, and fans can expect plenty of exciting basketball along the way.

As the Alabama basketball program heads into the upcoming season, the mix of seasoned veterans and talented freshmen offers a glimpse into the team’s bright future. With experienced players providing leadership and stability, and a new wave of young talent ready to contribute, the Crimson Tide are well-positioned for success. Coach Oats has cultivated an environment where both experienced and emerging players can thrive, and if everything falls into place, Alabama basketball could be on the verge of achieving something truly special this season.

The blend of seasoned returners and dynamic newcomers gives Alabama the potential to become one of the top programs in the SEC and the nation. Fans of Alabama hoops can expect an exciting, fast-paced brand of basketball, and with the talented roster the Crimson Tide have assembled, the 2025 season is sure to be one to remember.