The 2026-27 Alabama basketball roster will likely include seven or more new players. One of them is expected to be a Tennessee transfer, Cade Phillips. Phillips would be a good addition to the Crimson Tide. He meets roster needs with a 6'9" big body, with the blue-collar mentality that Nate Oats loves. Phillips works hard on defense and would be a plus on the glass. Not to mention that Phillips has an Alabama pedigree that will allow for immediate forgiveness for having been a Tennessee Vol.
What Phillips isn't is a replacement for Aiden Sherrell. Phillips is not a 'Stretch 4' with three-point accuracy. In three Tennessee seasons, Phillips took one three-point shot. He missed it. Phillips' 2025-26 season was limited by injury. He played in only 10 games with nine starts. His scoring average was 3.8 points. His effective field-goal percentage of 65.4% led Rick Barnes' team. Phillips is also not a Charles Bediako or Cliff Omoruyi rim protector, but he was Tennessee's second-best shot blocker.
Much needed in the paint toughness for Alabama Basketball
Phillips would provide in the paint toughness that Alabama has lacked after the departure of Mo Dioubate. Phillips would be a solid role player for the Crimson Tide. The only risk in adding Phillips is one that Nate Oats can ignore. It is fan expectations. Any Alabama fan thinking Phillips should make up for the loss of Aiden Sherrell will be badly disappointed.
In a fourth college season, Phillips should not be expected to become something he is not. Nate Oats knows what Phillips can provide, and he knows the value of adding him to the roster. That should be enough for Alabama basketball fans.
For the Crimson Tide fans unaware of Cade Phillips' connection to Alabama, his parents played for Alabama. His dad was a Crimson Tide quarterback. His mom was an Alabama basketball player. He is also the nephew of former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle. He would have been in Crimson earlier had Alabama wanted him. Now Alabama needs him and apparently wants him. It should work out well for the player and the team.
Note: Player stats provided by Sports Reference