JUST DAYS before the 2026 NCAA Tournament tipoff, the Alabama Crimson Tide are navigating a significant off-court legal issue involving starting guard Aden Holloway.
Holloway was arrested Monday morning following a search by the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force. Authorities reportedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia, and cash at a residence. He was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp.
Holloway, 21, was transported to Tuscaloosa County jail but released later that day on a $5,000 bond. It remains unclear if the team will discipline him before facing Hofstra in the tournament opener in Tampa, Florida.
The Crimson Tide enter the bracket as a No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region. Holloway was a critical asset this season, averaging 16.8 points per game as the second-leading scorer.
Notably, the NCAA Division I Council removed marijuana from its banned substances list for championships and postseason football in June 2024. This policy change may influence the disciplinary outcome as the program prepares for a first-round matchup against the No. 13 seed Pride.
Holloway shot 48.1% from the field and 43.8% from three-point territory this season. The team is currently riding a nine-win streak in their last 11 games heading into the playoffs.