The Top Four Players Alabama Basketball and Nate Oats Need to Hold on to for the Upcoming Season! The players who will drive Alabama basketball to new heights are its heart and soul.
As Alabama Basketball gears up for the upcoming season, the program finds itself at a pivotal moment in the post-COVID era. Under the leadership of Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide has seen substantial growth, moving from a program with sporadic success to a national contender. Oats has brought a fast-paced, high-energy style of play that has revitalized the team, and Alabama’s future looks brighter than ever. However, in order to take that next step and truly cement itself among the nation’s elite programs, there are a few key players that the team must retain for the upcoming season. These players are not only critical to the team’s success but also embody the identity that Oats has worked so hard to cultivate in Tuscaloosa.
Here are the four players that Alabama Basketball cannot afford to lose as it looks toward the next season:
1. Brandon Miller – The Scoring Machine and Future NBA Star
Brandon Miller is arguably one of the most important players for Alabama’s future, and without him, the team’s hopes of reaching new heights in the upcoming season would be severely diminished.
Miller, a 6’9″ forward, is not just a versatile scorer but a dynamic player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. As a freshman, he made an immediate impression in the SEC and nationally with his ability to score from anywhere on the floor—whether it be from beyond the arc, mid-range, or at the rim. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a matchup nightmare for any opponent. In the modern game, a player with Miller’s blend of size and perimeter shooting ability is invaluable, especially in Oats’ system, which prioritizes spacing, fast breaks, and shooting the three.
In addition to his scoring ability, Miller has shown a strong defensive presence, using his length and athleticism to guard multiple positions. This two-way capability allows Oats to utilize him as a versatile asset on both offense and defense, giving the team the flexibility to adapt to various opponents.
Most importantly, Miller is one of the best NBA prospects to come through Alabama in recent years. His potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level makes him a key figure for the program’s future. Not only does Alabama need him to perform at an elite level this season, but retaining him through the next step of his development will elevate the entire program.
If Nate Oats can hold onto Miller for one more season, Alabama’s chances of competing for a national championship will significantly increase. Miller is the kind of player who can be a program changer, a focal point around which the Crimson Tide can build.
2. Jahvon Quinerly – The Veteran Leader and Floor General
When it comes to leadership, few players can compare to Jahvon Quinerly’s experience and poise on the court. Quinerly, a veteran guard who has already proven himself in big moments, is crucial to Alabama’s success in the upcoming season. After a few years of playing under Oats, Quinerly has blossomed into one of the most consistent and reliable players on the team.
Quinerly’s experience playing in the SEC, combined with his strong ball-handling and scoring ability, makes him a central piece to Alabama’s offense. As the point guard, Quinerly is the player who keeps the offense flowing and is responsible for distributing the ball to the team’s scorers. His ability to read the defense, make quick decisions, and control the pace of the game is invaluable to Alabama, especially in tight moments when composure is key.
Beyond his playmaking abilities, Quinerly also provides scoring punch. Whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting the mid-range jumper, or knocking down threes, Quinerly can contribute offensively in multiple ways. His ability to score in bunches, especially in clutch situations, gives the Crimson Tide a reliable go-to option when the game is on the line.
Leadership is perhaps the most understated aspect of Quinerly’s game. His veteran presence on the floor is a calming influence on the younger players, and his ability to lead by example will be critical as Alabama navigates the challenges of the upcoming season. With his experience and skill set, Quinerly is the player that Oats can rely on to keep the team grounded and focused.
In short, Quinerly is the steady hand that will help Alabama weather tough moments and push the team forward during pivotal stretches of the season. If Oats is able to retain Quinerly for the upcoming season, the guard’s leadership and maturity will be invaluable.
3. Noah Clowney – The Versatile Big Man
In the world of modern basketball, versatile big men are a rarity, but Noah Clowney is one of those players who can do it all. Standing at 6’9″, Clowney has the athleticism and skill set to dominate both in the paint and on the perimeter. His development over the past year has been nothing short of impressive, and he has quickly become one of Alabama’s most important players.
Clowney’s ability to play both the center and power forward positions makes him an essential piece for Alabama, especially in Oats’ up-tempo system. As a center, Clowney can protect the rim, rebound, and finish inside. However, it is his ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the outside that makes him such a dangerous asset. His outside shooting ability adds an element of spacing to Alabama’s offense, opening up driving lanes and creating mismatches for opposing defenses.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Clowney’s game is his defensive prowess. Not only is he an excellent shot-blocker, but his agility and quickness allow him to switch onto smaller players, giving Alabama the ability to play small-ball without sacrificing defense. His versatility on the defensive end makes him a player that Nate Oats can move around based on matchups, a critical component in today’s fast-paced, positionless game.
Clowney’s development over the next year will be crucial to Alabama’s success. If he can continue to refine his game, particularly as a more consistent shooter and ball handler, he could become one of the most well-rounded big men in college basketball. With his skill set and versatility, Clowney has the potential to be a game-changer for Alabama in the upcoming season.
For Oats, holding on to Clowney is essential. With the right development, Clowney could be one of the breakout stars of the upcoming season and a key factor in Alabama’s march to new heights.
4. Mark Sears – The Sharpshooter and Scoring Threat
Mark Sears has been one of the most dynamic and reliable players for Alabama over the past season, and his importance will only grow in the upcoming year. Sears, a guard who transferred from Ohio University, immediately made an impact with his ability to score efficiently and contribute across multiple areas of the game. His shooting ability, especially from beyond the arc, is one of the biggest assets he brings to the team.
Sears has the ability to stretch defenses and create space for his teammates, an invaluable trait in Oats’ offense. The ability to shoot the three-pointer effectively opens up passing lanes for Quinerly and Miller and creates more opportunities in transition, which is where Alabama thrives. Moreover, Sears is not just a spot-up shooter. He can attack the rim, make plays in transition, and even create his own shot off the dribble. This versatility makes him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons on the team.
What also stands out about Sears is his competitiveness and basketball IQ. He brings a level of grit and determination that helps elevate the team, and his clutch play in important moments has proven invaluable. His ability to score in bunches, especially when the team needs it most, makes him a key contributor for Alabama’s offensive scheme.
Retaining Sears will be pivotal for Alabama’s offense. His scoring ability and experience, especially in pressure situations, will be crucial to the team’s success in the upcoming season. As a senior, Sears has the chance to provide not only scoring but also leadership, helping guide the younger players on the roster.
As Nate Oats continues to build a championship-caliber program at Alabama, the four players mentioned above—Brandon Miller, Jahvon Quinerly, Noah Clowney, and Mark Sears—are the foundation upon which future success will be built. These players possess the skills, leadership, and potential to take Alabama Basketball to new heights in the upcoming season. If Oats can retain them and continue to develop their talents, the Crimson Tide will be positioned for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and could even contend for a national championship. The future is bright for Alabama Basketball, but it all starts with these four key players.
