Aden Holloway Returns, But Wrist Injury Lingers in Alabama’s Loss to Arizona
Alabama got one of its key pieces back on the floor Saturday, but it wasn’t the kind of return anyone in crimson was hoping for. Junior guard Aden Holloway suited up for the first time in weeks after dealing with a wrist injury, but the scoreboard told the story: zero points in 21 minutes during a 96-75 loss to No. 1 Arizona.
This was Holloway’s first action since missing three games, and from the pregame warmups at Legacy Arena, it looked like he was ready to roll. His right wrist was wrapped but functional, and he was knocking down shots in drills. Head coach Nate Oats didn’t place any kind of minutes restriction on him either-Holloway was back in the starting lineup, ready to rejoin one of the most dynamic backcourts in college basketball.
But once the game tipped off, it became clear that Holloway wasn’t himself.
“The wrist is obviously bothering him,” Oats said after the game. “This isn’t how he usually is.”
Oats noted that Holloway had told him he was good to go, and the guard had been a full participant in practice leading up to the matchup. But even with that green light, the production just wasn’t there. This was the first time Holloway had been held scoreless in a game since his freshman year at Auburn, when he came off the bench.
And it wasn’t for lack of effort. Holloway played 21 minutes, tried to get into rhythm, but never found it.
Arizona’s defense deserves credit-they keyed in on him and didn’t give him much breathing room-but the bigger issue was clearly the wrist. Oats said Holloway hadn’t even been shooting threes two days before the game and had only just started getting shots up again in practice.
“He’s a lot better player than what he showed tonight, and he’s played a lot better for us in the past,” Oats added. “I think he was tough, trying to play for his teammates.”
That last part matters. Holloway didn’t shy away from the moment.
He suited up and gave it a go against the top-ranked team in the country. But the timing and touch just weren’t there-something that can happen when you’re trying to play through an injury, especially one on your shooting hand.
On the season, Holloway has been a major contributor for Alabama, averaging 18.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. When healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic guards in the SEC-capable of taking over games with his scoring and playmaking. His performances earlier this year, including double-doubles at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, showed just how much of a spark he can provide.
But against Arizona, that spark was missing.
As for the rest of Alabama’s injury report, Oats gave updates on a couple of other key players. Freshman big man Aiden Sherrell, who exited the Arizona game with cramps, is “back fine,” according to Oats.
Keitenn Bristow, dealing with an ankle injury, is “getting better.” Holloway, however, wasn’t mentioned in the team’s most recent official update, despite Oats’ postgame comments suggesting the wrist is still very much an issue.
Looking ahead, No. 16 Alabama (7-3) will try to regroup quickly.
The Crimson Tide return to action Wednesday, Dec. 15, for a home matchup against South Florida. Tipoff at Coleman Coliseum is set for 7 p.m.
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Whether Holloway will be at full strength remains to be seen. But if Alabama wants to keep pace in a loaded field this season, getting their lead guard back to form will be a top priority.