Without Charles Bediako, and with the season-long struggles of Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson, a massive burden has befallen sophomore center Aiden Sherrell. He's taken a massive leap during his second season in Tuscaloosa, but more and more is required of the Detroit native, particularly the further Alabama advances in the NCAA Tournament.
In the opening round matchup against 13-seeded Hofstra, Sherrell was a monster. Labaron Philon might have gotten the headlines, but his classmate was equally important on both ends of the floor.
Sherrell finished with a monster double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds, while also blocking two shots. He keyed Alabama's effort on the glass, grabbing nine offensive rebounds and helping the Crimson Tide finish +12 in rebounding against a Hofstra team that ranked 55th in the country in offensive rebounding rate.
It wasn't just his ability to score or defend; Sherrell was invaluable with his "Gortat" screens that freed up Philon in getting to the rim
rewatching this now and labaron philon owes aiden sherrell a few drinks lol, big man gortat screening the help whole game lmao pic.twitter.com/qiY0IBbxMM
— jeffonsports (@jeff_on_sports) March 20, 2026
"He’s a monster, man," Houston Mallette said of Sherrell. ..."He was incredible tonight. Shoot, he’s incredible every night. He’s kind of like the X-factor for our team."
Aiden Sherrell's monster double-double was huge for Alabama in NCAA Tournament win over Hofstra
Sherrell played 30 minutes for Alabama on Friday afternoon. With a quick turnaround, it will be pivotal for Nate Oats and Alabama's athletic trainers to get him in a position to play major minutes against Texas Tech on Sunday.
The Crimson Tide's NCAA Tournament hopes hinge on Sherrell's ability to shoulder the burden. As critical as Philon is, especially without Aden Holloway, Sherrell's performance was always going to play a major role in how far Alabama advanced in March Madness.
That hasn't changed.
Williamson only played four minutes against Hofstra. Alabama can play smaller with Taylor Bol Bowen or London Jemison at the five, and both players put together good performances against the Pride, but Alabama is a much, much better team when Sherrell is anchoring the middle on both ends of the court.
His ability to rest and recover to be ready for Texas Tech on Sunday will go a long way in determining the outcome and whether Alabama can get to the Sweet 16 for a fourth straight season.