Alabama Men’s Basketball Shows Off Its Depth in Win Over South Florida
On December 17 at Coleman Coliseum, Alabama men’s basketball put together a performance that showcased not just their talent, but their growing chemistry and depth. Against a gritty South Florida squad, the Crimson Tide leaned on a balanced attack and some standout moments from their young core to control the game from start to finish.
Let’s break down what stood out in Tuscaloosa.
Labaron Philon Jr. Continues to Impress
Freshman guard Labaron Philon Jr. is starting to look more and more comfortable in Alabama’s backcourt. He showed poise beyond his years, navigating traffic in the lane, controlling tempo, and making smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Whether it was pulling up for a midrange jumper or dishing to a teammate after collapsing the defense, Philon looked like a player who’s quickly earning trust in big minutes.
His ability to shift gears and read the defense is giving Alabama a dynamic option at the point, and it’s clear the coaching staff is letting him grow into that role.
Houston Mallette Brings Steady Leadership
Veteran guard Houston Mallette brought a calming presence to the floor, particularly in the first half. He handled pressure well, kept the offense flowing, and made sure Alabama stayed in rhythm even when South Florida tried to ramp up the intensity. His ability to control the pace and stay composed under duress gave Alabama a steady hand when things got a little chaotic.
Mallette’s experience is a valuable asset on a team that’s mixing youth with veteran leadership, and his contributions don’t always show up in the box score - but they’re felt in how the Tide execute.
Davion Hannah’s Energy is Contagious
Davion Hannah made his presence felt with his speed and vision. One of the highlights of the night came when he whipped a no-look pass around a defender, threading the needle and setting up an easy bucket. It was the kind of play that shows just how explosive this Alabama team can be in transition when things click.
Hannah brings a spark off the bench, and his ability to make plays on both ends of the floor gives Alabama another layer of versatility. He’s the kind of player who can swing momentum in a matter of seconds - and against South Florida, he did just that.
Noah Williamson Holds It Down in the Paint
Center Noah Williamson did the dirty work in the paint, battling for position, protecting the rim, and making smart passes out of double-teams. At 6-foot-10, he’s a physical presence who doesn’t need to score a ton to make an impact. His ability to keep the ball high, avoid turnovers, and make quick reads out of the post helped Alabama maintain flow in their half-court sets.
He also showed good awareness, keeping the ball away from South Florida’s active defenders and looking for the right outlet when the defense collapsed.
A Team Effort That Bodes Well for SEC Play
This wasn’t a one-man show - and that’s exactly what Alabama fans should be excited about. The Crimson Tide moved the ball well, defended with intensity, and showed flashes of what this group is capable of as it continues to gel.
The win over South Florida may not make national headlines, but it’s the kind of game that builds confidence and cohesion. With SEC play looming, Alabama is starting to look like a team that’s finding its identity - and doing it with a mix of youth, experience, and unselfish basketball.
If this performance is any indication, the Tide are trending in the right direction.