Aden Holloway’s path back to Alabama basketball has cleared another important checkpoint, and the signs are pointing in the right direction for the Crimson Tide.
Holloway already took a major step this summer when he reached a plea agreement with the Tuscaloosa District Attorney. That deal allowed him into a “second chance” program that includes probation and community service. If he finishes that process, the felony charges tied to his March marijuana possession arrest would come off his record.
Now he’s back on the floor with the team in summer workouts, which Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said is another hurdle cleared. Still, Byrne made it clear Holloway isn’t all the way through the process yet.
“While part of the process, he still has a way to go to satisfy the requirements set by the court, the University and the program," Bryne said, via AL.com's Nick Kelly.
That caution matters, but Holloway’s return to practice is a meaningful development. Nate Oats had already indicated Alabama was keeping a spot open for him, and Holloway has handled everything asked of him to this point.
His campus ban, which came with his indefinite suspension after the arrest, was lifted in early April. At that time, his agent said Holloway planned to reenroll at Alabama this fall.
If he does make it back, Holloway would be a major piece for Oats and the Crimson Tide in 2026-27. He finished last season as Alabama’s second-leading scorer behind Labaron Philon, and over two years in Tuscaloosa he established himself as one of college basketball’s most dangerous three-point shooters.
The fit also makes sense on the floor. A backcourt pairing of Holloway and Allen should give Alabama plenty of firepower, and Oats has shaped the roster to cover for Holloway defensively. He’ll usually be surrounded by four teammates who are all 6-foot-6 or taller, which should make life easier for him on that end as long as he brings the effort.
And with the late addition of 4-star guard Anderson Diaz, who reclassified from the 2027 class into 2026 to join the team immediately, Oats appears to have his full group in place for next season.
Byrne’s comments are a reminder not to get ahead of the story, but unless something changes, Holloway looks to be on track to suit up for Alabama again this season.
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