Charles Bediako's highly anticipated return to college basketball might not make much of a difference on Saturday night against Tennessee as Alabama's poor injury luck appears to be continuing.
Junior Aden Holloway and freshman Amari Allen - Alabama's second and third leading scorers behind star sophomore Labaron Philon - are doubtful for tonight's game, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. That comes a day after both were surprisingly listed as questionable on the Crimson Tide's availability report Friday night.
NEWS: Alabama’s Aden Holloway and Amari Allen are doubtful for the game against Tennessee tonight, per an ESPN source. Holloway is Alabama’s second-leading scorer at 17.7 points per game. Allen is Alabama’s third leading scorer 11.7 points per game. pic.twitter.com/6OHRZFrjkl
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 24, 2026
Aden Holloway, Amari Allen both doubtful for Alabama vs. Tennessee
Bediako's return might be a nice frontcourt boost for Alabama, but Holloway and Allen being out would be devastating to the Crimson Tide's ability to take down the Volunteers, even in the friendly confines of Coleman Coliseum.
Not only are Holloway and Allen second and third in scoring for Alabama, they are second and third in assists, too, also behind Philon. Holloway averages 17.7 points and 3.6 assists per game. Allen averages 11.7 points and 3.4 assists, while also leading the team in rebounding at 7.8 per game.
This would be the third game Holloway has missed this season and the second for Allen if they can't go. Only Houston Mallette and Noah Williamson have played all 18 of the Crimson Tide's games. In a pivotal matchup with major implications in the SEC Championship race, these are potentially devastating blows for Oats and his team.
The return of Latrell Wrightsell from injury will help, but he's struggled this season in his return from last year's torn Achilles. He's only shooting 27% from three, which is 20 points lower than Holloway (47%).
Alabama will ask a lot more from Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea, who will have to take on a much bigger role with Allen and Holloway potentially out.
We could also see a heavier workload from Bediako in his first game back with the Crimson Tide, as Alabama will need help on the glass in Allen's absence. A twin-towers lineup of Bediako and Aiden Sherrell was already hinted at by Oats, and it could come to immediate fruition.
There are no reports as to what Holloway and Allen are dealing with, but considering Oats didn't mention either as "injured" during his Friday press conference, an illness probably makes the most sense. It's unfortunate timing, but at least something that shouldn't keep either out for long.