Alabama Faces Key Injuries Ahead of Crucial SEC Clash with Tennessee
Charles Bediako is back in the lineup, but Alabama’s frontcourt reinforcement may not be enough to offset what could be a brutal night on the injury front. Just hours before tip-off against Tennessee, the Crimson Tide are staring down the possibility of being without two of their most important offensive weapons: Aden Holloway and Amari Allen.
According to reports, both Holloway and Allen are doubtful for Saturday’s SEC showdown-a major blow for an Alabama team that’s already been walking a tightrope with injuries this season. The timing couldn’t be worse, with the Crimson Tide hosting a Tennessee squad that’s right in the thick of the conference title race.
Let’s break down what this means for Alabama.
Holloway and Allen: More Than Just Scorers
Aden Holloway has been Alabama’s second-leading scorer behind sophomore standout Labaron Philon, putting up 17.7 points per game while also dishing out 3.6 assists. He’s been a floor general, a shot-maker, and a reliable perimeter threat-hitting 47% from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency and production doesn’t just grow on trees, especially in the SEC.
Then there’s Amari Allen. The freshman has been one of the most consistent two-way players on the roster, averaging 11.7 points, 3.4 assists, and leading the team in rebounding with 7.8 boards per game.
That last stat is especially important. Without Allen, Alabama loses its top rebounder and one of its better facilitators-a rare combination for a first-year player.
Both players are also key in transition and half-court sets. Their absence means more than just a dip in scoring-it alters the entire rhythm of Alabama’s offense.
Who Steps Up?
With Holloway and Allen potentially sidelined, the spotlight shifts to a few names who will need to shoulder a much larger load.
First up is Jalil Bethea, the Miami transfer who’s already been playing solid minutes but now may be asked to operate as a primary option. Bethea has shown flashes, but this is a different level of responsibility-especially against a disciplined Tennessee defense that doesn’t give up much on the perimeter.
Latrell Wrightsell is also back in the mix, but he’s still finding his rhythm after returning from a torn Achilles. The senior has struggled from deep this season, shooting just 27% from three-a steep drop from Holloway’s elite clip. If Wrightsell can find his stroke, even temporarily, it would be a massive boost.
And then there’s Charles Bediako. The big man’s return could come at just the right time.
Alabama will need help on the glass with Allen out, and Bediako’s presence in the paint gives them a defensive anchor and potential lob threat. Head coach Nate Oats has already hinted at a possible “twin towers” look with Bediako and freshman Aiden Sherrell sharing the floor.
That lineup could be rolled out earlier than expected.
Depth Being Tested
This would mark the third game Holloway has missed this season and the second for Allen. Only Houston Mallette and Noah Williamson have suited up for all 18 games, and that kind of attrition is starting to show. Alabama’s depth is being stretched thin at a time when every SEC matchup carries weight in the standings.
The return of Bediako and Wrightsell helps, but neither is a direct replacement for what Holloway and Allen bring to the floor. It’s going to take a collective effort-not just from the starters, but from the bench-to keep pace with a Tennessee team that thrives on physicality and execution.
What’s Next
There’s no official word on what’s keeping Holloway and Allen out, but given the lack of any mention of injury in Oats’ Friday press conference, illness seems like the most likely culprit. If that’s the case, the hope is that this is a short-term setback rather than a lingering issue.
Still, in a game with significant implications for the SEC title race, Alabama can’t afford to look too far ahead. Whether it's Philon playing hero ball, Bethea stepping into a starring role, or the frontcourt controlling the paint, the Crimson Tide will need to find answers fast-because Tennessee isn’t the kind of team that gives you time to figure it out.
With tip-off looming, all eyes are on the Alabama bench. The talent is there. The question now is whether it’s healthy-and ready-enough to rise to the moment.