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Similar to seasons past, if the Alabama Crimson Tide want to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, then they will likely need a few names outside of their biggest stars to take their game to the next level, starting later this week.
Matched up against No. 13 seeded Hofstra in the first round, Alabama will be tested from the very start in the NCAA Tournament, starting with that Friday afternoon showdown with the CAA conference tournament champions. If they advance, Alabama would then face either No. 5 seeded Texas Tech or No. 12 seed Akron in the second round, along with the potential to meet teams such as Michigan, Iowa State, and Virginia on their path to the Final Four.
To advance, Alabama will obviously need the likes of Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to produce similar in a similar fashion to what they've done throughout the 2025-26 season, while also needing a few others to step up.
Following are three Alabama players in particular who are key to the Crimson Tide's success during March Madness, as each will likely play important roles.
The Alabama backcourt will need someone to step up alongside Philon in terms of scoring production, with Bethea a guard who is likely to see a potential increase in minutes. In 23 games off Alabama's bench, Bethea is averaging 4.4 points per game on 33.3% shooting from three, and the Miami transfer is likely to be a top guard option to play a key role as a reserve, especially during the first weekend.
Bol Bowen has struggled at times with injuries this season, but when the 6-foot-10 forward has been on the court in 2025-26, the Florida State transfer has averaged 6.2 points and 4.3 rebounds on 28.6% shooting from three. If the Crimson Tide desire to make a deep run in March Madness, Alabama will likely need Bol Bowen's production to see an increase than what the junior has done in recent weeks, especially on the glass and defensively.
One of three seniors on Alabama's roster, Williamson has struggled throughout the 2025-26 campaign coming off the Crimson Tide's bench, averaging only 1.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game on 25.6% shooting from the field. As the Crimson Tide's primary backup center behind starter Aiden Sherrell, it is likely Williamson plays some key minutes throughout Alabama's NCAA Tournament run, and the senior will certainly be needed on the glass to help produce, as well as on the defensive end.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Jalil Bethea key to Alabama basketball success during March Madness
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Matched up against No. 13 seeded Hofstra in the first round, Alabama will be tested from the very start in the NCAA Tournament, starting with that Friday afternoon showdown with the CAA conference tournament champions. If they advance, Alabama would then face either No. 5 seeded Texas Tech or No. 12 seed Akron in the second round, along with the potential to meet teams such as Michigan, Iowa State, and Virginia on their path to the Final Four.
To advance, Alabama will obviously need the likes of Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to produce similar in a similar fashion to what they've done throughout the 2025-26 season, while also needing a few others to step up.
Following are three Alabama players in particular who are key to the Crimson Tide's success during March Madness, as each will likely play important roles.
Jalil Bethea, Guard, Sophomore
The Alabama backcourt will need someone to step up alongside Philon in terms of scoring production, with Bethea a guard who is likely to see a potential increase in minutes. In 23 games off Alabama's bench, Bethea is averaging 4.4 points per game on 33.3% shooting from three, and the Miami transfer is likely to be a top guard option to play a key role as a reserve, especially during the first weekend.
Taylor Bol Bowen, Forward, Junior
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Bol Bowen has struggled at times with injuries this season, but when the 6-foot-10 forward has been on the court in 2025-26, the Florida State transfer has averaged 6.2 points and 4.3 rebounds on 28.6% shooting from three. If the Crimson Tide desire to make a deep run in March Madness, Alabama will likely need Bol Bowen's production to see an increase than what the junior has done in recent weeks, especially on the glass and defensively.
Noah Williamson, Center, Senior
One of three seniors on Alabama's roster, Williamson has struggled throughout the 2025-26 campaign coming off the Crimson Tide's bench, averaging only 1.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game on 25.6% shooting from the field. As the Crimson Tide's primary backup center behind starter Aiden Sherrell, it is likely Williamson plays some key minutes throughout Alabama's NCAA Tournament run, and the senior will certainly be needed on the glass to help produce, as well as on the defensive end.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Jalil Bethea key to Alabama basketball success during March Madness
Continue reading...
