Alabama basketball is putting in extra hours at the gym, focusing on players with lighter workloads to keep them sharp for the stretch run. Coach Nate Oats highlighted this while previewing their matchup against Mississippi State.
Oats clarified that Alabama (20-7, 10-4 SEC) isn’t holding separate practices but is extending sessions for certain players. Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen, whose minutes have dipped post-injury, is among those staying back. Joining him are Miami transfer Jalil Bethea, Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson, Tarleton State transfer Keitenn Bristow, and freshman guard Davion Hannah.
These players, not seeing heavy minutes, are working with walk-ons and managers to hone their skills. Hannah and Bristow have been on the SEC availability report since Alabama last faced Mississippi State, while Williamson and Bethea are adjusting to the team’s pace.
Oats is particularly optimistic about Bethea’s development. "His effort is elite, and he's playing hard defensively," Oats noted, emphasizing the need for Bethea to focus on the scouting report to minimize mistakes. Despite a foot injury in the offseason, Bethea’s positive attitude makes Oats eager to give him more playing time.
Bethea, averaging 8.7 minutes per game, has shown flashes of potential, shooting over 40% and averaging about five points with two rebounds per game. Though he’s had games where he didn’t play, Oats is shifting his approach. "Let’s coach him up and let him play through mistakes," Oats said.
Looking to their game against Mississippi State, Oats believes Bethea could be a key player against guard Josh Hubbard, who previously torched Alabama with 38 points. Bethea’s length and athleticism, combined with diligent film study, position him well for the challenge.
Alabama will tip off against Mississippi State at 8 p.m. CT on ESPNU, with hopes of making a strong push as March approaches.