Alabama basketball faces a major offensive problem with the loss of Labaron Philon Jr. Despite testing the NBA waters his freshman year, Philon Jr. decided to return to Alabama. In his sophomore year, Philon took a massive step in his game, becoming more than just a good defender and decent scorer. Last season, he averaged 22 points and 5 assists per game while shooting 39% from three. He was serving as the team’s number-one option on offense. With him now in the NBA, the Crimson Tide will need to look for someone to fill his shoes.
Amari Allen’s Bigger Role in Alabama Basketball
Amari Allen finds himself in a situation similar to Philon’s. Allen also tested NBA waters this past cycle. The pair also share similar numbers after their first year. Allen had a solid freshman campaign, averaging 11.4 ppg, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. The potential is there for him to grow offensively.
Allen can serve as a reliable three-point shooter for Alabama this year. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged around 4 threes a game, shooting at 34.1%. This number does not scream elite shooting, but he has extremely fluid, smooth mechanics that can make him a deadly three-point shooter this year. This season, Allen will have more opportunities not only to score but also to create his own scoring chances. Allen also earned All-Freshman honors in the SEC last season.
The sophomore forward possesses a great feel for the game, making him an elite point-forward. Allen can serve as an effective secondary creator, allowing him to use his great feel for the game. His high IQ allows him to see the floor well, helping him keep the ball moving on offense and make smart reads off the pick-and-roll. All of these intangibles will cause the defense to rotate at a high rate, creating more scoring opportunities for Alabama basketball.
Allen is more effective in the half-court than in transition. His on-ball ability is still developing as he continues to make strides toward becoming more of a threat on offense.
In his freshman year, he was a lockdown defender who faced the toughest on this side of the floor. Allen has a tremendous frame that allows him to guard multiple positions. He is most effective as a help defender rather than on the ball. The now-sophomore crashes the boards hard on both sides. His high-energy playstyle allows him to create and convert on second-chance scoring opportunities. The potential is there for Allen to become the next star at Alabama.
Can Anderson Diaz Run the Alabama Offense?
With uncertainty regarding Aden Holloway’s status, Nate Oats will be looking for someone to run his high-paced offense. Oats will have to rely on incoming freshman guard Anderson Diaz to run the show on offense.
When watching Diaz play, he has a shifty handle and makes great use of changing speeds, allowing him to blow by his defender and score. The lefty controls games well and shows great poise at point guard. His ability to play at different tempos will make him a key player for the Crimson Tide. Diaz is a three-level scorer who has no problem getting to his spots. The freshman guard is not shy about shooting the ball from deep or anywhere else on the floor.
Diaz can be the playmaker and lead guard Oats and Alabama are looking for. His high IQ and tremendous feel for the game allow him to share the ball well and operate in the pick-and-roll like a maestro, creating open looks for his teammates.
The biggest area for growth in Diaz’s game is his tendency to dribble too much. This can disrupt the flow of the offense if he is overly ball-dependent. He also tends to favor his left hand, so he will need to work on his off-hand before the start of the season.
The Crimson Tide does not need one player to replicate Philon’s season from a year ago. If Amari Allen continues to progress as a scorer and on offense, Alabama will have a bigger impact as a team. Only time will tell how quickly Anderson Diaz adjusts to SEC play. The faster he gets comfortable, the more dangerous this Alabama basketball team can be.
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