The University of Alabama basketball team is loaded with players capable of competing for a national championship.
It doesn't mean we'll win a championship, but this team has the ability to win a championship. We have the talent, the depth, the experience.
The question is, how do the pieces of this roster puzzle fit together? The summer will be key for the coaching staff to figure out exactly what they have, who is best suited for which role and which lineups will give Alabama a chance to succeed.
There's a lot to decide, a lot to prove and a lot to glean. Oats and company are just beginning the season-long process of managing a roster loaded with talent and options. Alabama has nine or 10 players eligible to be in the starting lineup on many rosters.
Now that the group of 13 has been finalized, here is a summary of my thoughts on each player.
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Mark Sears, Guard
His decision to return gives Alabama one of, if not the, best roster in the country. The return of the second-team All-American guard gives the Crimson Tide not only a top scorer, but an experienced player who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Aiden Holloway, Guard
The potential is there and Alabama's system seems like a better fit than Auburn's. The key for Holloway will be to regain his confidence as a shooter. Even if Holloway isn't in the starting lineup, he's likely to get plenty of playing time, and there's reason to be optimistic about what kind of impact he can make with a fresh start in Tuscaloosa.
Labaron Fillon, Guard
Don't be surprised if Philon finds a way to get quality playing time. He probably won't be a starter as a freshman, but he can contribute to this team. He and Holloway are in position to ease the load on Sears at point guard. Philon's early production has been good, and his progress is worth watching.
Latrell Lightsell Jr., Guard
The key for Lightsell is to stay healthy, because when he is, he is one of the most talented players in the country and one of Alabama's best defenders. He will be an integral part of this strong lineup. Lightsell is likely to be a starter.
Chris Youngblood, Guard
He's tough, physical and big (6'4, 218 lbs.), so he has a chance to be a great leader on this team. Youngblood looks to be one of the top contenders to be the best perimeter defender on the team. Oh, and he can shoot it, too; he shot 41.6% from 3-point range last season.
Houston Mallett, guard
The Pepperdine transfer brings experience, leadership and skill and has a chance to be a really good player for the Crimson Tide. Mallett is a catch-and-shoot guy and there will likely be a place for him in a crowded lineup.
Nurse Cunningham, Guard
The four-star freshman is a 6-foot-7 guard who can contribute at Alabama. The question is where he fits in the lineup and what his role will be. It will be up to him to figure that out for himself, and the coaching staff will need to figure out how to best utilize him in a crowded, talented group of players.
Derrion Reed, forward
Reed has a good chance to be the best NBA prospect on the team, if not at the top, then certainly at that level. The five-star McDonald's All-American was selected to the USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team. A 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward, Reed has a chance to make an impact in his freshman season. How big a role he plays will depend on his development, but the talent is there. He is the fourth-highest rated signee in Alabama history, with only Collin Sexton, Brandon Miller and J.D. Davison ranked higher than him.
Grant Nelson, forward
If Nelson can continue to perform like he did against North Carolina in the Sweet 16 (24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks), he could be dominant this season. Playing as a power forward at the No. 4 position means he can be more effective at that position than having to play as a No. 5 like he did last season.
Jalin Stephenson, forward
One of Alabama's top NBA prospects, Stevenson has committed to returning for his sophomore season and could take a big next step. He could be the latest player to benefit from playing another year in the system, and it's worth noting that he was originally meant to be a college freshman. However, Stevenson reclassified a season ago and would have otherwise been a high school senior. He showed off his potential against Clemson in the Elite Eight (19 points, five 3-pointers). Now he's looking to grow and take the next step in his game. There's no reason not to.
Mo Diubate, forward
Diubate is physical and can help win games, which was evident in the NCAA Tournament win over Grand Canyon. He's tough and should have a place. The question the coaching staff will have to determine is where the 6-foot-7, 215-pound sophomore fits in.
Aiden Sherrell, forward
Sherrell may not be a starter, but he'll play a lot. The five-star McDonald's All-American has the skill to shoot from the perimeter and block shots. He and Cliff Omoruyi should form a formidable duo at the No. 5 spot in the lineup.
Cliff Omoruyi (centre)
The addition of the former Rutgers center gives Alabama an offseason highlight and a shot blocker that was sorely needed last season, and he will not only be a key piece of the defense but also a valuable piece on offense.
Nick Kelly is an Alabama reporter for the Tuscaloosa News, a USA TODAY Network company, covering Alabama football and men's basketball. Contact him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter: Nick Kelly The social media app X, formerly known as Twitter.
