It’s a great time to be a basketball fan in Tuscaloosa. The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team kicked off the 2026-27 season in style, defeating Sam Houston in their season opener at home. The No. 20-ranked Tide gave fans plenty to cheer about in the season’s very first game, with Roll Tide Wire and The Tuscaloosa News both capturing the excitement through photo galleries from the night.

Head coach Nate Oats faces what he himself called no “easy decision” when it comes to splitting minutes among his talented roster this year — a welcome challenge that speaks to the depth and competition the Tide have assembled heading into the new season. With a 4-star center potentially committing to the 2027 recruiting class, the future looks just as bright as the present for Alabama basketball.

And the excitement doesn’t stop at the collegiate level. The Tuscaloosa News spotlighted the West Alabama boys basketball players to watch in the AHSAA 2026-27 season, shining a well-deserved light on the young local talent preparing to take the hardwood across the region. These are the student-athletes who fill gyms in communities throughout West Alabama — players whose dedication in the classroom and on the court make their schools and neighborhoods proud.

From Coleman Coliseum to high school gymnasiums across the county, basketball season is bringing energy and optimism to Tuscaloosa. Whether you’re cheering on the Crimson Tide or watching the next generation of local stars develop their games, there’s no shortage of reasons to get excited about hoops in West Alabama this winter.

Sources: Roll Tide Wire, Yahoo Sports, The Tuscaloosa News