\n<\/p>\n
After a five-month campaign through another brutal schedule, Coach Nate Oats remarked at season\u2019s end that he would be probably be rethinking his approach: perhaps not scheduling so many high profile, set-piece games this year. The SEC slate is simply too demanding to also face a six-week war of attrition against elite NCAA tourney teams. <\/p>\n
I think many of wondered if he was fibbing. After all, Oats ascribes to the belief that November games prepare you for March success. And after four SEC titles, four Sweet 16s, an Elite Eight berth, and the school\u2019s first Final Four bid, who are we to argue? <\/p>\n
For those who questioned if the Tide would truly back off its Basketball Bataan, you now have your initial data point. <\/p>\n
Alabama\u2019s first non-conference opponent has been set, and the Tide will be meeting Rick Pitino\u2019s powerful St John\u2019s Red Storm on their home court, under the Midtown Manhattan lights of venerable Madison Square Garden. <\/p>\n
\nNEWS: St. John’s and Alabama are finalizing an agreement to meet on November 8th at MSG, according to multiple sources.<\/p>\n
A return game is expected in Birmingham during the 2026-27 season. https:\/\/t.co\/ZR1Zuxj7R5<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 8, 2025<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
Nate Oats and Rick Pitino have a very respectful relationship, one where Nate has been surprisingly deferential to the dean of college hoops. And when BDR eased back into college coaching at Iona, a brash Nate Oats in his first season made sure Alabama was the first major conference team to reach out and schedule a contest with the Gaels. <\/p>\n
Pitino did what Pitino does, and Iona smothered the Tide that night, but there was high praises all around afterwards. And now, in just two short seasons, back to his roots in the Big East, Pitino has taken a downtrodden-but-proud St John\u2019s team back to the upper echelon of the sport. The Red Storm have gone 51-18, claimed the Big East crown, tracked for back-to-back Top 10 recruiting classes (and currently have the No 3 Portal class), and earned a 2-seed in the NCAA tourney. <\/p>\n
It is a ferocious, physical style of ball, with a team once again projected to be among the Big East\u2019s best, so Alabama will not be easing into their 2026 campaign \u2014 not against the talent coming again, against that coach, and in a true road game. <\/p>\n
SJU returns the favor, and Alabama will (predictably) \u201chost\u201d a return date the following season in Birmingham.
The hype for 2026 has begun.<\/p>\nRoll Tide<\/p>\n
\n\n\n Poll<\/span><\/h3>\n
Should Alabama stop playing its hardest OOC home opponent in Birmingham?<\/h4>\n
\n\n
- \n
\n68%<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
\nLord yes. It\u2019s been time!<\/h6>\n
(17 votes)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
\n12%<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
\nNo. Sacrificing home court so a few people don\u2019t have to drive 40 minutes is totally a good bargain!<\/h6>\n
(3 votes)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
\n16%<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/p>\n
\nAlabama should play more remote contests across the state, not fewer.<\/h6>\n
(4 votes)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
- \n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
\n 25 votes total
\n <\/span>
\n Vote Now<\/a>
\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n