Exhibition Schedule and Significance
The University of Alabama’s men’s and women’s basketball programs will open their seasons with a back‑to‑back exhibition doubleheader at Boutwell Auditorium in Tuscaloosa, giving fans their first glimpse of new‑look squads.
On October 15 at 7:00 p.m. CT, the Crimson Tide men host Ole Miss, a rare preseason matchup against an SEC opponent that also serves as a preview of Coach Chris Beard’s system before the regular‑season showdown at Coleman Coliseum later in the month.
Later that same day, the women’s team will take the court at noon CT against the University of Alabama in Huntsville, debuting head coach Pauline Love and showcasing a roster that returns only four players from the previous season.
Both squads are navigating significant turnover; the men’s roster features just five returning athletes, while the women’s team welcomes a new coaching staff after former head coach Kristy Curry departed earlier this year, adding a layer of uncertainty and excitement for the upcoming campaign.
The exhibition games thus serve not only as a warm‑up but also as a critical evaluation point for coaches Beard and Love, who must blend fresh talent with limited experience to build momentum heading into the regular season.