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s the University of Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team prepares for its Sweet 16 appearance on Friday, March 27, 2026, there are some lingering concerns about gaps in the team’s roster and rotation. Notably, the Alabama basketball program has seen some sudden departures from vital players in the early weeks of the tournament due to injury, illness, fatigue, and suspension.
Here’s everything you need to know about the current injury status and player availability for tonight’s primetime game between the Alabama basketball program and rival Michigan in the 2026 March Madness Tournament. For a full schedule of March Madness Sweet 16 games, you can find that here.
Aden Holloway Remains on Suspension
GettyTUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – MARCH 7: Aden Holloway #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide drives to the basket during the second half against Tahaad Pettiford #0 of the Auburn Tigers at Coleman Coliseum on March 7, 2026 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
The most significant absence for the Alabama basketball program came amid the scandal surrounding Aden Holloway, who is currently suspended from both the university and the team following his arrest on felony marijuana charges just days before the 2026 NCAA Tournament commenced. This development has seen Alabama head into March Madness – and now into the Sweet 16 round of the competition – without the star guard.
Holloway’s absence is massive for Alabama’s offensive structure. Having averaged nearly 17 points per game and shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc, Holloway’s raw talent and finesse of skills on the court had been critical to the team’s success prior to March Madness. Without him, the Crimson Tide lose out on not only scoring potential but also on spacing and shot creation, who elements which are critical against a disciplined and technical defensive team such as Michigan. Ultimately, Alabama will be once again without one of their most dynamic weapons for the contentious matchup with the Michigan Wolverines tonight.
Despite having received legal clearance to travel, Aden Holloway has not been reinstated to the team nor has he joined in on any of the team’s activities, per ESPN.
Concerns Involving the Frontcourt and Depth During Game Play
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 25: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn #0 of the UNLV Rebels shoots against Davion Hannah #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of their game during the Players Era Championship basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Beyond Aden Holloway, the Alabama basketball team has been dealing with several long-term absences this season which have left the roster with a thinner rotation on the court. Players like Davion Hannah, Collins Onyejiaka, and Keitenn Bristow have all missed extended periods of time during both games and practice sessions due to injuries and/or medical conditions, respectively. All three had expectations set for them individually at the start of the season that they would not return for the remainder of the year.
All four player absences have collectively forced head coach Nate Oats to rely more heavily on a tighter core rotation, particularly when it comes to the frontcourt rotation. The lack of depth has been manageable so far thanks in large part to Alabama’s high-scoring offense, but it could become a factor against a physically imposing Michigan team. It may also lead to a sped-up sense of fatigue amongst remaining active team members as “March wear and tear” – as it is colloquially termed – sets in should the Alabama basketball team continue to advance in the tournament.
The Alabama Crimson Tide will take on the Michigan Wolverines on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:35 PM ET / 6:35 PM CT / 4:35 PM PT.
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