The Alabama men’s basketball team tipped off the 2025 season with exactly the kind of performance fans were hoping for a dominant 91-62 win over the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

It was a statement game from a team that believes this could finally be the year they bring a national title back to Tuscaloosa.

Head coach Nate Oats has built one of the most exciting programs in college basketball — fast-paced, fearless, and full of firepower. And on opening night, that identity was on full display.

Sophomore sensation Labaron Philon led the way with 22 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds, showing off the poise and playmaking that made him one of the most talked-about players in the country last year. 

Houston Mallette added 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, while London Johnson and Amari Allenboth chipped in 12 points apiece. It was a total team effort, the kind of depth and balance that can carry Alabama deep into March.

Even more impressive? The Tide were missing several key players: Aden Holloway, Keitenn Bristow, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., and Jalil Bethea were all out of action. Once those names return to the lineup, the potential for this squad only grows stronger.

Coach Oats has built a reputation as one of the brightest minds in college basketball.  a master at blending analytics with energy, structure with freedom. Under his leadership, Alabama has evolved from a solid SEC team into a legitimate national powerhouse.

The Tide have been close before, reaching No. 1 in the rankings and making deep tournament runs, but this group feels different.

This team has the mix of veteran presence, young talent, and chemistry that championship runs are made of.

That standard was clear in game one. Alabama shared the ball (22 assists as a team), played suffocating defense, and looked comfortable in every rotation. The bench contributed big minutes, and the energy from the sideline was constant: every made shot, every defensive stop, celebrated like it mattered. Because to this team, it does.

Next up, the Tide will travel to Queens, New York, for a road showdown with St. John’s on Sunday. It’s an early test, especially with a young core and key pieces still returning to full strength. But it’s exactly the kind of challenge that Nate Oats wants for his team; a chance to prove they can bring that same fire away from home.

If opening night was any indication, this Alabama squad has all the ingredients to make a serious run. They’re talented, deep, and hungry, and they know the opportunity in front of them.

For Alabama basketball, the mission is clear: win it all.

And after a start like this, it’s hard not to believe they just might.