Holloway Changed After Adversity, With Embattled Alabama Star Primed to Return

Return follows suspension

Holloway was arrested shortly before the NCAA Tournament began and faced felony charges, including first-degree marijuana possession. He completed Tuscaloosa County’s Second Chance Program before being welcomed back to Alabama’s program.

His suspension kept him out of the team’s three exhibition games and its first two regular-season contests. Alabama is set to have him back against Oakland on Monday night.

Oats points to growth

Coach Nate Oats says Holloway can contribute leadership as well as basketball skill. Oats noted that the senior has taken on that role since returning to the team this summer.

Oats also described adversity as an experience that can reveal a person’s character. He said he looks forward to people seeing how Holloway speaks with teammates and approaches the game.

Scoring record raises expectations

Holloway averaged 16.8 points and 3.8 assists per game last season, finishing behind Labaron Philon Jr. as Alabama’s second-leading scorer. He made 43.8 percent of his three-point attempts and earned Third Team All-SEC recognition.

A more experienced roster

Last season’s team had several established leaders, including Houston Mallette and Latrell Wrightsell Jr., while Philon was a prominent personality at point guard. This season, Holloway is the only rotation player with more than one year at Tuscaloosa.

Oats says Holloway’s growth over the offseason has been rapid and genuine. His return therefore brings Alabama both a proven scorer and a player the coach believes can lead.