Alabama heads into a crucial SEC road matchup against Florida with a major question mark hanging over the lineup: Will star freshman Amari Allen suit up?
As of now, the answer is still unclear. Head coach Nate Oats confirmed that Allen hasn’t returned to full practice, though he has been participating in individual basketball workouts and showing visible signs of progress. Oats described Allen as a game-time decision for Sunday’s showdown in Gainesville, leaving the door open for a potential return.
“If he’s close to being able to play, I think he’ll play,” Oats said.
That’s a significant “if,” because Allen’s presence could be a game-changer against a Florida team that thrives on physicality, especially on the glass.
The Gators are an elite rebounding team-statistically one of the best in the nation. They rank second in offensive rebound rate and second in limiting opponents’ second-chance opportunities, according to KenPom.
Simply put: they dominate the boards on both ends of the floor. Alabama knows this firsthand.
In two meetings last season, Florida out-rebounded the Crimson Tide by a combined 20 boards, including a +15 margin in a regular-season win in Tuscaloosa that flipped a tight game in their favor.
That’s where Allen’s absence looms large. Though listed as a guard, the 6-foot-8 freshman has played much bigger than his position all season. He leads Alabama in rebounding, and his length, instincts, and motor have made him a key piece in the Tide’s effort to compete physically with bigger, more traditional frontcourts.
Even with the addition of Charles Bediako to the interior rotation, Alabama will need a collective effort to keep Florida from controlling the glass. Having Allen back would be a significant boost-not just because of his rebounding, but because of everything else he brings to the floor.
Allen is also third on the team in both scoring and assists, averaging 11.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He’s shooting an efficient 46% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc, numbers that have already caught the attention of NBA scouts. His versatility has been a cornerstone of Alabama’s success this season, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways-on the boards, as a playmaker, and as a scorer-makes him one of the most valuable freshmen in the country.
Allen suffered the injury during Alabama’s road win over Oklahoma and has since missed two key home games against Tennessee and Missouri. His potential return against Florida would come at a critical time, not just for the Tide’s SEC standing, but for their ability to match the Gators’ physicality in one of the toughest environments in the conference.
If Allen can go, Alabama’s chances of stealing a big win on the road get a whole lot better. If not, it’ll take a full-team effort to fill the void-and keep Florida from taking over the game where it matters most: the glass.