Alabama coach Nate Oats says the Crimson Tide are preparing to play without guard Aden Holloway after the player was arrested and removed from campus Monday.
Tuscaloosa County authorities said agents with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force searched a residence and recovered more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia and cash. Holloway was arrested Monday morning, booked into the county jail, posted a $5,000 bond and was released the same day. He faces two felony counts: first-degree drug possession and failure to affix a tax stamp. In Alabama, a first-degree drug possession conviction can carry penalties up to 10 years in prison or a $15,000 fine.
A team spokesperson confirmed Holloway was not traveling with the squad four days before Alabama’s NCAA tournament opener against Hofstra. Oats said on his radio show Monday night that the program suspended Holloway pending the investigation and will hold him to team standards. “We’re certainly disappointed in his behavior,” Oats said, while also stressing the team’s support: “We still love him, he’s still our guy. We’re helping him get the help that he needs.”
Holloway, a 6-foot-1 guard, averages 16.8 points per game and has been one of Alabama’s most efficient scorers this season. The Crimson Tide lead the nation in scoring at 91.7 points per game and rank among the leaders in offensive efficiency. Analytics cited by the program show Holloway has improved Alabama’s offense by roughly 9.7 points per 100 possessions; he has been the team’s leading scorer in several recent games, is shooting about 44% from 3-point range and carries the highest offensive rating on the roster, according to KenPom.
His absence is expected to increase responsibility for teammates such as Labaron Philon Jr., a projected NBA first-round pick, and could alter Alabama’s prolific 3-point attack — the team attempts more 3-pointers per possession than any other squad in the country and Holloway is its top perimeter shooter. Holloway scored 18 points in Friday’s SEC tournament loss to Ole Miss.
With the NCAA opener approaching against Hofstra, a team that has lost just once since Jan. 29, Oats said Alabama must support Holloway while moving forward competitively. “Everybody wants to wrap their arms around and love him,” Oats said, adding that this roster is well-equipped to handle adversity and will focus on the game Friday.
ESPN reporters Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello contributed to this report.
