Alabama basketball guard Aden Holloway arrested days before NCAA Tournament
The Crimson Tide were announced as the No. 4 seed for the NCAA March Madness tournament, but now may be without their top scorer.
The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program is facing unexpected off-court news just days before the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament begins.
Junior guard Aden Holloway, one of Alabama’s top scorers this season, was arrested Monday morning in Tuscaloosa, according to a spokesperson for the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
Big news out of Tuscaloosa. Alabama's second leading scorer, Aden Holloway, arrested this morning. The No. 4 seed Crimson Tide play No. 13 Hofstra on Friday in the NCAA tournament. https://t.co/OJRkoedGvP
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 16, 2026
Authorities said agents with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force conducted a search of a residence in the 400 block of 30th Avenue East. During the search, investigators reportedly found more than a pound of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash, leading to Holloway being charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp.
The 21-year-old was transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail, where his bond was set at $5,000, according to police.
Arrest comes days before March Madness game
The timing of the arrest is significant for Alabama. The Crimson Tide were announced Sunday as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament and are scheduled to face No. 13 seed Hofstra in the first round on Friday.
It is not immediately clear whether Holloway will be available for that game or whether the program will issue disciplinary action ahead of the tournament.
Holloway’s role for Alabama
Holloway has been one of the most important players for Alabama this season under head coach Nate Oats.
The junior guard finished the regular season averaging 16.8 points and 3.9 assists per game, ranking among the team’s leading scorers while shooting nearly 48% from the field and over 43% from three-point range.
He has started 27 games this season after previously serving as a sixth man for the program.
What happens next?
As of Monday afternoon, neither the Alabama athletic department nor coach Oats had released a public statement about Holloway’s status.
With the NCAA Tournament beginning later this week, the situation could have a significant impact on Alabama’s postseason outlook if one of its top offensive contributors is unavailable.
More details about the arrest and Holloway’s status with the team are expected to emerge in the coming days.
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