The Alabama Crimson Tide will head into the 2026 NCAA Tournament without star guard Aden Holloway. How will Holloway’s absence affect the Crimson Tide, and will the junior guard play for them again?
How Aden Holloway’s Suspension Affects Alabama NCAA Tourney Hopes, And Will He Play Again For The Crimson Tide?
Alabama suspended Holloway and is not permitted on the Crimson Tide’s campus on Monday following a raid of his apartment earlier that morning. Holloway was charged with two felonies — first-degree possession of marijuana and failing to affix a tax stamp.
“We’re disappointed in his behavior,” coach Nate Oats said on his radio show Monday. “With that said, we still love him. He’s still our guy. We’re going to get him the help that he needs, and we’re going to continue to help him in whatever way we can.”
In an update earlier this morning, according to Nick Kelly of AL.com, a little more than two pounds of marijuana was found. Kelly added that Halloway’s charge sheet stated that West Alabama “drug agents found loose marijuana, a vacuum-sealed bag with marijuana, a rolling tray, and packaging material.”
“Holloway stated that he wanted to remain silent, but then stated that he only smokes,” an agent from the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force wrote in court records.
Alabama (23-9), ranked 15th in the AP Poll, is seeded fourth in the Midwest Region. The Crimson Tide enters its Friday game against No. 13-seeded Hofstra Pride in good form, having won nine of its last 11 overall. But they have lost two of their last three and were surprisingly ousted in the SEC quarterfinals by Ole Miss (80-79).
If Bama handles Hofstra in the first round, they will play the winner of Texas Tech and Akron.
© ANDREW NELLES, The Tennessean
