🏀 🏀 2025-26 Bama Basketball Off-season News and Updates: THURS Press Conference with Nate Oats

[TerryP]

He’s not.

He was in Maryland.

Based on the little research I've done into this, it didn't take long to track this to the same guy that started the rumor about Oats being interested in the Terps.

 

[bamafan9201]

Can say I have heard the same thing tonight, apparently had a meeting with CNO and Preston Murphy and let them know he would be entering the portal soon. Not unexpected but I know both Oats and Murphy wanted to keep him if possible and build more around him but maybe the injuries caused him some grief he is moving on.

Also hearing Philon as of lately will be trying for the draft (Also not unexpected) with the ability to return if necessary.

 

[mando]

Was hoping all three (Stevenson, Reid and Philon) would come back to form a really good core for next year but maybe that is just unrealistic in todays NIL/Portal climate. Reality of NIL keeps throwing gut punches. Byrne is going to have to earn his money to keep Bama competitive.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

Reid leaving would sting more had he not slow played his hamstring injury this season. But the Reid news all but cements the return of Griffen. I hated to see Griffen leave last year, he was one the staff wanted to keep from what I understand. I feel kinda weird about the likely return though, not sure why... but hope it works out well.

 

[rick4bama]

I still don't like it!

 

[BamaFan334]

Reid leaving would sting more had he not slow played his hamstring injury this season. But the Reid news all but cements the return of Griffen. I hated to see Griffen leave last year, he was one the staff wanted to keep from what I understand. I feel kinda weird about the likely return though, not sure why... but hope it works out well.

Probably because he left us for the dollar and "greener pastures". I personally don't want a guy back that left.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

Probably because he left us for the dollar and "greener pastures". I personally don't want a guy back that left.

That's certainly part of it, but not all.

 

[TerryP]

But the Reid news all but cements the return of Griffen.

He's been back for a few weeks now according to his "sponsor." (I don't know what other term to use.) He and I go back to the mid 90's...

 

[Justneedme81]

That's certainly part of it, but not all.

So the question is this. Is he coming back on scholarship or is he paying his way in this season?

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

So the question is this. Is he coming back on scholarship or is he paying his way in this season?

It would be scholarship.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

Big shocker here...

 

[Justneedme81]

Big shocker here...

63 3s in 74 career college games...... That doesn't sound good

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

Bit of a bummer here, and it feels like a gamble (to close the door on returning before getting feedback), but I could well be wrong.

 

[Justneedme81]

Bit of a bummer here, and it feels like a gamble (to close the door on returning before getting feedback), but I could well be wrong.

Ummmmm.... Honestly he's not ready. Hell end up taking jd Davidson routes

 

[Bammerboy321]

Philon was always going pro. The staff brought him in with the intent that he'd be one and done. He was only going to comeback if we threw a ludicrous amount of money, which we obviously don't have as Reid just left.

Not too optimistic about next season honestly, but it's still early in the offseason. Trust Oats I guess.

 

[BamaFan334]

Bit of a bummer here, and it feels like a gamble (to close the door on returning before getting feedback), but I could well be wrong.

Reminded me a lot of Primo and Davidson. All had a lot of talent and showed glimpses of what the future holds, but needed a little more refinement. JD doing well now, but has taken him a few years to finally get to this point of even being considered for a spot on the main team.

 

[Justneedme81]

Reminded me a lot of Primo and Davidson. All had a lot of talent and showed glimpses of what the future holds, but needed a little more refinement. JD doing well now, but has taken him a few years to finally get to this point of even being considered for a spot on the main team.

JD was not ready for NBA. He was better off staying another year or two with Oats.

 

[Bammerboy321]

Alabama reached out to Seydou Traore. Seems like a Juwan Gary-esque type forward.

 

[Justneedme81]

Alabama reached out to Seydou Traore. Seems like a Juwan Gary-esque type forward.

You know I was confused for a minute. I thought you were talking about Tight end from miss state. Yes, there are two players with exactly same name. One for miss state and one for Iowa.

 

[Justneedme81]

Alabama reached out to Seydou Traore. Seems like a Juwan Gary-esque type forward.

I'm not impressed with his limited production on the court. I'm thinking just someone who can provide quality minutes.... But I feel like we can do better than him.