What to Expect Out of New Alabama Guard Anderson Diaz?

The Alabama Crimson Tide knew that replacing Labaron Philon wasn’t going to be an easy task.

But now with Philon heading to the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, coach Nate Oats may have found the perfect candidate to take over the reins as lead guard.

Anderson Diaz out of New York City was a four star commit for the Crimson Tide in the 2027 class, but recently reclassified for the 2026 class, meaning you will see him at Coleman Coliseum next season.

Reclassifying has worked its magic in several ways for current players in the NBA. Notable names like Cooper Flagg, Jeremiah Fears, and Jamal Murray have all reclassified to play their freshman season a year early.

Philon was a lead guard at his core. He thrived with the ball in his hands with enough wiggle and shiftiness to zoom past a defender.

Just like Diaz.

But Diaz may have a little bit more quickness. While Philon had more finesse to his game, Diaz is more of a jitterbug, who has a quick first step and an appetite to drive to the rim.

You know what you’re going to get with Diaz. Raw, unadulterated skill.

With Philon, he actually began his collegiate career as more of a lockdown defender, before transitioning his game to become more of a scorer.

Diaz is a skill guard through and through, and isn’t afraid to pull up with his left-handed flamethrower.

What he’s especially efficient at is his game in transition. Diaz’s quickness to push the pace will fit in perfectly with Oats’ system, a team that ranked sixth in pace last season.

Originally it seemed like Aden Holloway would’ve been the lead guard, or even the chance of Amari Allen. But Holloway had a career year as the shooting guard, and shot an SEC-leading 43% from 3, and Allen doesn’t have the quickness to push the pace for an Oats-led team.

With his ability to drive to the rim, Diaz’s quickness can collapse defenses, which can open up the floor for 3-pointers, which Oats often emphasizes.

Last season, the Crimson Tide were ranked first in the country in 3-pointers attempted, but 66th in 3-point percentage. So the more open shots, the better chances this offense will run the way Oats envisions.

Reclassifying is always a gamble for a young player, especially a ball-dominant guard that’s expected to handle the SEC.

But with the combination of quickness, acceleration, and ability to play downhill is too good of an opportunity for Alabama to pass up on.

Diaz and Alabama struck while the iron is hot, and Diaz has the opportunity to carry on what Philon left for him.

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