Alabama lost some key pieces to the NBA Draft and Transfer Portal this offseason, but one of the most important pieces to return for Nate Oats is rising sophomore big man Aiden Sherrell.
The former McDonald's All-American had a slow start to his freshman season with the Crimson Tide, but by the end of the year, he had turned into a key part of the rotation. A second-year jump seems obvious for Sherrell.
With Grant Nelson and Cliff Omoruyi moving on, there are plenty of minutes available for Sherrell next season. Even with the addition of Patriot League Player of the Year Noah Williamson, Sherrell should expect a substantially bigger role next season.
He certainly seems to be putting in the work required to take a leap next season. In a new video posted to social media, Sherrell already looks better than he did just a couple of months ago:
Sherrell looks more fluid, quicker, and his shot looks to be coming along. It also looks like the people working with him are teaching him to go up stronger when underneath the basket. He's too big for layups down there - you gotta dunk that.... stuff.
Aiden Sherrell could be one of the best big men in the SEC in 2025-26
It's not a stretch to think Sherrell could elevate his game to being one of the best bigs in the SEC next season. Rival fans might think that's ridiculous based on his underwhelming numbers as a freshman, but all the talent is there.
Sherrell played a little under nine minutes per game this past season, averaging 3.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 33.3% from three. Sherrell led the team in offensive rebounding rate, a number that even exceeded Mo Dioubate's.
He struggled to crack the rotation early in the year, but his development was evident as the season wore on. Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism is his ability as a shooter. 33% may not jump off the page, but from February 1st on, Sherrell hit 10-of-18 attempts from three.
Oats and the staff praised his ability as a shooter in practice. A true stretch-five like Sherrell - or even Williamson - will unlock Oats' offense even more. There's a reason he believes this team might be the best shooting team of his Alabama tenure.
Sherrell's ability to space the floor, rebound, and protect the rim will be a key part of the Crimson Tide next season.