TAMPA - Alabama’s Freshman Sensation: Amari Allen
Alabama basketball fans have a new name to cheer for this season: Amari Allen. Despite not being the most hyped recruit in Nate Oats’ lineup, Allen has quickly become a key player for the Crimson Tide as they charge into March Madness and the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Averaging 11.7 points per game, Allen isn’t just scoring; he’s leading the team in rebounds with 7.1 per game. His impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of over 2-1 highlights his smart play on the court. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing in at 205 pounds, the Green Bay, Wisconsin native is proving that he deserves every minute on the court.
Allen’s Role in March Madness
With guard Aden Holloway sidelined due to legal issues, Allen’s role is set to expand. Holloway’s absence leaves a significant gap, and Coach Oats plans to utilize Allen’s versatility more than ever.
“Now you've got a little bit more where you don't have to play Amari down in the front court, you can play Amari exclusively in the backcourt,” Oats explained.
Known for his ball-handling skills, Allen is ready to step up and fill the void.
Allen’s Standout Performance
Allen’s breakout game came against Mississippi State on February 25, where he scored 23 points. While it wasn’t his career-high (that was 25 against Vanderbilt), his shooting was on fire.
Allen nailed six of seven 3-pointers in the 100-75 victory, and added five rebounds to his stat line. With Holloway’s absence, Allen’s ability to hit from beyond the arc will be crucial in the tournament.
NBA Prospects on the Horizon
Allen’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed by the NBA scouts. Coach Oats has been vocal about Allen’s potential to be a one-and-done player, possibly heading to the pros as soon as this summer. His combination of size, skill, and defensive effort makes him an attractive prospect.
"I think you're seeing (how good he is) by where he's showing up on draft boards and the amount of interest all the NBA teams are giving him, asking about him," Oats remarked.
As Alabama gears up for their first-round game against Hofstra, all eyes will be on Allen to see if he can continue his impressive run and lead the Crimson Tide deeper into the tournament.