Alabama basketball has another tough opponent scheduled for its 2024-2025 non-conference schedule. The Crimson Tide will play McNeese on November 11th at Coleman Coliseum, as reported by John Rothstein.
McNeese isn't a traditional powerhouse, but the Cowboys are led by head coach Will Wade. Wade previously spent six seasons as head coach at LSU, where he developed a rivalry with Alabama head coach Nate Oats. The two teams have had many memorable matchups during Wade's tenure at LSU, including the 2021 SEC Tournament championship game, which Alabama won 80-79.
Wade is in his second year at McNeese after leading the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament in his first year. His team won 30 games, but ultimately lost in the first round to Gonzaga University.
Wade has been incredibly active in the transfer portal this offseason, bringing in a notable number of high-major transfers to mid-major programs. McNeese is arguably one of the most talented mid-major teams in the country and will be a good early season test for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama's non-conference schedule is packed as usual, with games currently scheduled at home against Creighton, on the road against Purdue and in Birmingham against Illinois. In addition, Alabama will participate in the Players Era Festival, an NIL-based MTE in Las Vegas, and will also participate in the 2nd SEC/ACC Challenge, with an opponent yet to be determined. It is planned.
As always, Oats will test his team in non-conference games as the Crimson Tide looks to return to the Final Four as it prepares for SEC play and the NCAA Tournament.