Alabama will open the NCAA Tournament Friday against Hofstra without star guard Aden Holloway following the sophomore's felony drug arrest.
Holloway was arrested Monday on a first-degree felony charge for marijuana possession not for personal use and failure to affix tax stamps. West Alabama Narcotics Task Force recovered more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia and cash during a campus-area search.
Coach Nate Oats confirmed the team is preparing to play without Holloway, who averages 16.8 points per game. The university suspended him pending student conduct investigation.
Holloway faces up to 10 years in prison and $15,000 fine if convicted. Oats expressed disappointment but stated the program remains supportive of the player.