Nate Oats Addresses Alabama’s Point Guard Depth Concerns After Key Departures
Alabama basketball faces a significant challenge heading into the 2025-2026 season: replacing the production of departing guards Mark Sears and Labaron Philon. Sears, a two-time Consensus All-American and three-time All-SEC selection, concluded his collegiate career, while Philon opted to enter the NBA Draft. The duo’s combined impact was substantial, accounting for over 30% of the team’s scoring and steals, and more than half of their assists. Sears averaged an impressive 18.6 points and 5.1 assists, while Philon contributed 10.6 points, 3.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
Their absence leaves a considerable void at the point guard position. Head coach Nate Oats recently acknowledged this concern, speaking at the Regions Tradition Pro-Am in Hoover. While acknowledging the uncertainty, Oats expressed confidence in several players’ abilities to fill the gap, albeit not necessarily as traditional point guards.
“We think Latrell Wrightsell and Houston Mallette can play a little point guard,” Oats stated. “That’s definitely a little bit of an issue. Aden Holloway is definitely there. And then we do think that Amari Allen and Davion Hannah can (play point guard).”
The Tide’s backcourt will rely on a mix of returning players and newcomers. Holloway returns after a season, along with Wrightsell and Mallette recovering from season-ending injuries. The team also bolstered its roster with the addition of Jalil Bethea from Miami via the transfer portal, and the highly touted incoming freshmen Allen and Hannah. Additional transfer options remain a possibility.
The upcoming season will be a test of Alabama’s depth and coaching staff’s ability to develop and integrate new talent. The team’s success will hinge on the effectiveness of its revamped backcourt, a significant question mark heading into the new season. Oats’ comments suggest a cautious optimism, highlighting the potential of several players while acknowledging the challenges ahead. The team’s performance will depend on how effectively these players adapt to increased responsibility and fill the void left by Sears and Philon. The coming months will be crucial in determining Alabama’s readiness for the upcoming season.
