Will Aden Holloway play in Alabama’s NCAA Tournament game vs Hofstra?
The Crimson Tide are set to kick off March Madness this Friday, but starting guard Aden Holloway has been arrested, leading to questions about his status.
Just days before the start of NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, questions remain about whether Aden Holloway will be available for Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball.
The junior guard was arrested Monday morning in Tuscaloosa, according to local authorities, after investigators with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence. Holloway was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana, according to police.
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
The arrest comes just days before Alabama begins its March Madness run.
Alabama’s NCAA Tournament matchup
The Crimson Tide earned a No. 4 seed in the tournament and are scheduled to face Hofstra Pride men’s basketball, the No. 13 seed, in the first round on Friday.
The game is part of the opening round of the NCAA Tournament and could be impacted if one of Alabama’s top offensive players is unavailable.
Has Alabama announced Holloway’s status?
As of Monday afternoon, Alabama basketball and head coach Nate Oats have not announced whether Holloway will face team discipline or be available for the game.
Teams often wait until internal reviews or legal developments are complete before determining a player’s status in situations like this. That leaves uncertainty surrounding one of Alabama’s most important contributors heading into the tournament.
Holloway has been a key part of Alabama’s offense throughout the season. The junior guard finished the regular season as the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging around 16–17 points per game, while also contributing assists and perimeter shooting for the Crimson Tide.
His scoring and ball-handling have played a major role in Alabama’s success under Oats this season.
For now, Holloway’s availability remains unclear. With Alabama’s first-round matchup against Hofstra scheduled for Friday, the program could announce a decision about his status later this week. If Holloway is unable to play, it would represent a significant change for the Crimson Tide just days before their NCAA Tournament opener.
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