There’s now a feel for some of the potential starting lineups that Alabama basketball may put on the court for the 2025-26 season.
During a private practice viewing, the Crimson Tide didn’t play a true scrimmage. However, offensive and defensive drills offered a glimpse of what fans might see when Alabama hits the floor against Florida State at the Ballin’ in Boutwell exhibition on Oct. 16.
Reporters were given 15 minutes to watch practice — the first time the media has seen the team since its Elite Eight run — and came away with a few notable lineup combinations.
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In offensive drills, the first look at the crimson team — presumably made up of the Crimson Tide’s starting five — featured Labaron Philon running the point, Preston Murphy Jr. at two-guard, Amari Allen at the three, London Jemison at four and Aiden Sherrell playing at center. Tarleton State transfer Keitenn Bristow was switched in for Jemison.
While Philon, Murphy, Allen, Jemison and Sherrell were on offense, the grey team consisted of Aden Holloway at point guard, Houston Mallette at the two, Davion Hannah as the three-guard, Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen at forward and Collins Onyejiaka at the five spot.
Another five-man group seen during contact drills included Philon, Allen, Bristow, Jemison and Sherrell. This lineup is a taller one, with Allen and Jemison at 6-foot-8, Bristow at 6-10, Sherrell at 6-foot-11, according to the roster.
It’s still plausible that Alabama could put together a lineup with Philon and Holloway on the floor at the same time, but the two weren’t paired on Monday, Oct. 6.
For its first appearance of the year, Alabama tips off against FSU at 7 p.m. CT in the historic Boutwell Auditorium.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
