Jon Rothstein Gives Alabama Basketball Fans Two Freshmen to Watch

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When you see those three words, you know college basketball season is approaching.

That's the advice college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein would give you when identifying an under-the-radar player before the season tips off.

Rothstein, a self-admitted college basketball junkie, travels all over the country to visit the top programs in basketball. Last week, he was in Birmingham to watch the Alabama vs. Auburn scrimmage, and there were two members of Nate Oats’ squad that stood out to him.

True freshmen Qayden Samuels and Tarris Bouie.

The Crimson Tide pulled away with a late surge to win 87-85 last week, and it was Samuels and Bouie that stole the show.

With LaBaron Philon off to the NBA, Alabama has a massive hole to fill offensively.

Aden Holloway will also miss the first five games while serving a suspension following the legal issues that led to his dismissal during the NCAA Tournament.

So who steps up to fill that scoring void in Tuscaloosa?

Aside from Amari Allen, who returned for at least another season at the collegiate level, it was Samuels and Bouie that shone at the scrimmage.

Samuels, a 6-6 shooting guard that has exceptional length, showed why he could be a candidate to help replace Philon's scoring production

Samuels led the team in shot attempts, finishing 6-of-19 from the field, 3-of-13 from beyond the arc and 5-of-6 at the free-throw line. 

His willingness to hunt for his own offense could make him a valuable scoring option, though his shooting efficiency will be worth monitoring as he adjusts to the college game.

Bouie played 31 minutes – four more than Samuels – and showed serious promise on both ends of the floor. He finished with 14 points, shooting 4-8 from the field, 1-3 from 3-point range, and grabbed seven rebounds. His 5-11 showing at the free throw line did indicate that there’s room for improvement.

On Bouie’s 247Sports profile, Adam Finkelstein wrote that while Bouie is a gifted athlete, he was a late bloomer, with the best basketball of his career still ahead of him.

Alabama's early-season schedule could also provide an opportunity for its newcomers to find their footing.

In the 2025-26 season, the Tide opened up their first five games against four top-15 teams, and then played first-ranked Arizona in the 10th game of the season.

For 2026-27, the Tide will likely be eased into the season, taking on Sam Houston State, Arkansas State, Oakland, Seton Hall, and Kennesaw State in the first five games.

Samuels and Bouie showed enough in the Birmingham scrimmage to warrant attention, but one exhibition won't determine what their freshman seasons will look like.

If either player can develop into a consistent scoring option, the Crimson Tide could have two valuable new weapons in their offense.

For now, Rothstein's advice may be worth keeping in mind: Buy stock now.