Aden Holloway's future on the hardwood remains very much in doubt, but the first step toward his Alabama basketball return was just taken.
Holloway's campus ban was lifted on Friday, clearing the path for him to return to school. Per ESPN, Holloway plans to re-enroll at Alabama in the fall and play basketball for the Crimson Tide again, pending the outcome of his legal case.
"Although it's not Aden's call to make, given the opportunity, his intent is to play basketball next year," Holloway's attorney, Jason Neff, told ESPN.
Aden Holloway plans to play basketball at Alabama next year
Holloway being cleared to return to campus is the first big step in his potential return to the basketball team, provided that Nate Oats is comfortable allowing him to return. Also provided that Holloway doesn't end up in jail.
The star junior guard was arrested the Monday before the beginning of the NCAA Tournament, after a raid on his apartment uncovered over two pounds of marijuana at his residence. He was charged with two felonies, and he was officially indicted by a grand jury on Thursday.
Holloway enjoyed a tremendous junior season on the court before his legal issues. He was averaging 16.9 points per game and shot a career-best 43.8% from three.
Alabama was able to get to the Sweet 16 even without Holloway, but with Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell both moving on, there's a massive hole in the backcourt on next season's roster.
Oats will have to strike a delicate balance with roster-building this offseason. Alabama has a need at guard, whether Holloway is able to play or not, but with Oats' insistance of building a bigger roster, having two smaller guards in the backcourt would make it a lot more challenging for the Crimson Tide to take a much-needed leap forward on the defensive end of the court.
Oats should probably operate as if Holloway won't be able to play next year. You prepare for the worst and hope for the best.