Alabama basketball took a giant step toward contending once again this week with Amari Allen officially pulling out of the draft and returning to the Crimson Tide for his sophomore season.
Allen's decision effectively finalizes Nate Oats' roster, pending two things that remain up in the air:
1) The outcome of Aden Holloway's felony charges
2) A potential reclassification for 4-star guard Anderson Diaz
It might be a couple more months before we find out the outcome of either of those things, but there remains optimism in Tuscaloosa that both will work out in Alabama's favor.
Regardless of what happens with two pieces in the backcourt, The Field of 68's Jeff Goodman believes the frontcourt will determine Alabama's ceiling. Specifically, he believes it all comes down to whether or not Kentucky transfer Brandon Garrison can live up to his immense potential.
Alabama's hopes rest on the shoulders of Brandon Garrison, according to Jeff Goodman
"Brandon Garrison, alright it's time man. It's time," Goodman said. "You've been in college basketball for a while here. We know you've got NBA-level talent, but you've got to have an NBA-level motor now. That's the key. If he can do that, if Nate Oats can find a way to get this guy where he's consistent in his approach, then I think Alabama can be a team to be reckoned with at the top of the SEC. If not, I think this could be the most disappointing year... I worry about Garrison and even Drew Fielder up front. Are they good enough?"
The focal point of the Transfer Portal for Oats and Preston Murphy was improving in the frontcourt. Goodman may not be convinced that they've done that, but Alabama's staff certainly is. It's easy to see why.
Last year, Alabama really only had one healthy threat up front in Aiden Sherrell. It's what led to the misguided addition of Charles Bediako for five games. Guys like Amari Allen and London Jemison were frequently playing up and out of position, and it left Alabama vulnerable against the bigger frontcourts on the schedule.
That shouldn't happen in 2026-27.
Along with Garrison, Oats landed Boise State's Fielder and Mississippi State's Jamarion Davis-Fleming in the Transfer Portal. He also retained Keitenn Bristow, who flashed his impact with a game-changing performance in Alabama's win over Illinois in Chicago last season, but struggled to stay healthy and ultimately only played 10 games.
So Garrison is important. He has the highest ceiling of the bigs with his athleticism and potential two-way impact. Watch his performance down the stretch against Santa Clara in the NCAA Tournament this past season to see what he can bring to the table. Oats has consistently pulled the best out of players.
But even if Garrison's inconsistencies remain, there are other impactful players who can play instead. Alabama isn't beholden to the performance of one guy in the frontcourt like it was a season ago. If Garrison isn't playing hard, he simply won't play. Davis-Fleming, Fielder, and Bristow will take those minutes instead.
Smart money is on things clicking for Garrison, though, particularly in his final season of eligibility at the college level. He's got NBA-level talent, as Goodman notes. This is his last chance to show it, and he's in the right place to do it.
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