Aden Holloway’s name came up Tuesday at SEC tipoff, even though the Alabama guard still can’t step on the floor.
Nate Oats opened his remarks at the event in Mountain Brook and made sure to address Holloway’s progress after a spring arrest led to a suspension that will cost him three exhibition games and two regular-season games. For Oats, the message was clear: the guard has done what was required since then.
“Super proud of him,” Oats said. “He’s applied himself consistently over these last few months.
Done all the work required to get the charges dropped. Back in the program.
I couldn’t be more proud of the young man and what he’s done over the summer and fall so far.”
Holloway’s arrest involved marijuana charges, but all charges have since been dismissed after he completed the second-chance program. He is back on the roster and with the team, though he still must sit out while the suspension runs its course.
Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne also addressed Holloway’s situation in a statement to AL.com last week, saying the program had been encouraged by how the guard responded. Byrne said, “We were disappointed by the choices Aden made, but we have been encouraged by the way he has responded,” and added that Holloway “has apologized, accepted responsibility for his actions, and taken meaningful steps to address his mistakes and move forward in a positive direction.
Aden has successfully completed the Second Chance Program, and all charges against him have been dismissed. He has complied with every requirement, and ongoing monitoring and support measures will continue until he graduates.
“Participation in summer workouts was part of the multi-layered process of earning back his place on the team, and we anticipate his official return to the roster on Nov. 9. While his responsibilities to his team, the university, and himself are ongoing, we are encouraged by the progress he has made and look forward to supporting him both on and off the court.”
On the court, Holloway had already established himself as one of Alabama’s top players in 2025-26 in his second season with the program. He appeared in 28 games last season, averaging 16.8 points per game and shooting 43.8% from 3-point range.
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