After finishing 25-10 last season with a Sweet 16 appearance, Alabama is set to mark a new season with several new additions. One key difference the team will face this year is the departure of Labaron Philon Jr., the 22nd pick of the 2026 NBA draft.
Philon was the team’s primary ball handler, often dictating the flow of the offense. Without him, Alabama projects to have guard Amari Allen bringing the ball up the court and initiating the offense for the Crimson Tide.
One underrated aspect for Alabama basketball will be primary creation and scoring off the bench. In order to help diversify scoring and playmaking on the offensive end, Alabama can look to two freshman guards off the bench this season.
Both Qayden Samuels and Anderson Diaz are highly anticipated rotational pieces that can add legitimate spark to Alabama’s scoring. With guard Aden Holloway expected to miss at least the first two games, the potential for the guards to make an immediate impact is evident.
Though the differences in their games aren’t striking, the playstyles of both guards will contrast well on the court. Both can control the pace of the offense and score at will, but the guards are at their best when Diaz has the ball in his hands and Samuels can move off the ball to create open looks.
“I would describe my game as a shifty downhill guard who can get anywhere on the floor,” Diaz said.
The mix of playmaking and shooting Samuels and Diaz will provide for the Crimson Tide will pave the way for other people on the roster to step up in their roles. Head Coach Nate Oats likes to push a fast dynamic throughout each game, and the guards are the first people on the team to set the tone for this. When the ball is moving quickly on the court, it disrupts the opposing team’s defense at times and allows for defensive breakdowns that leave people unguarded on the court.
“Qayden Samuels is an electric scorer and has proven himself to be one of the best scorers in the nation,” Oats said.
As the regular season is underway, the test will come to see how the freshmen perform in real stakes. With Amari Allen projected to go to the NBA draft after this year, and Aden Holloway in his senior year, this season is also a test to see how the guards can play a role in the future for Alabama.
Oats isn’t hesitant to give true freshmen time on the court, evident by players such as Amari Allen, Philon and Brandon Miller. Development will be key for Samuels and Diaz as they progress through their freshmen season.
If the freshman can display their skills on the court, it’s easy to see the next line of guards for Alabama basketball down the road.
Hence then, the article about previewing alabama s new direction at guard this season was published today ( ) and is available on The Crimson White ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Previewing Alabama’s new direction at guard this season )
Also on site :
- Popular Toddler Snacks Sold at Costco, Target and Walmart Recalled Over Potentially Deadly Choking Hazard
- Kraft Mac & Cheese Just Launched 2 Unexpected New Flavors—and One Is Inspired by a Beloved Breakfast Treat
- Grand Circle Cruise Line Black Friday Sale: Save Up to $3,000 on 2027 River Cruises, Plus $1,000 Off for Solo Travelers