As Tennessee prepares to face Alabama on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, most of the pregame buzz has centered around the unusual situation involving Charles Bediako. The idea of a professional player returning to college hoops has sparked plenty of debate - and understandably so. But while that storyline has dominated headlines, there’s another development that could have a real impact on the court: Alabama may be without two key players.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, both Aden Holloway and Amari Allen are listed as doubtful for the matchup. And make no mistake - those would be significant absences for the Crimson Tide.
Let’s start with Holloway. The freshman guard has been one of Alabama’s most dynamic offensive weapons this season, averaging 17.7 points and 3.6 assists per game - both second-best on the team.
But what really sets him apart is his shooting from deep. Holloway is hitting an eye-popping 46.2% from three-point range.
That’s not just good - that’s elite. To put it in context, the next most efficient shooter on the team is connecting at 38.7%.
Losing that kind of perimeter threat changes the entire geometry of Alabama’s offense.
Then there’s Amari Allen, who’s been a force in the paint. He leads the team in rebounding at 7.8 per game, a sizable gap ahead of the next best at 6.1.
Allen’s presence on the glass has been a stabilizing factor for the Tide, especially in tight games where second-chance opportunities and defensive boards can swing momentum. And he’s no slouch from beyond the arc either, shooting 36.9% from three - fourth-best on the squad - which adds a layer of versatility to his game that Alabama will sorely miss if he can’t go.
For Tennessee, this could be a break in what’s expected to be a high-stakes SEC showdown. Alabama has been one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country, and taking two major contributors off the floor - especially one as efficient as Holloway - could tilt the balance.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET at Coleman Coliseum, with ESPN carrying the broadcast.
With or without Holloway and Allen, expect a charged atmosphere and a game with serious implications in the SEC race. But if those two sit, the Vols may find themselves with a golden opportunity to steal one on the road.