Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl might have told Auburn basketball fans to watch their language during the Iron Bowl of Basketball game Saturday against Alabama, but the Tiger faithful will almost certainly still make things difficult for Aden Holloway.
The Crimson Tide guard, who transferred in after spending last season with Auburn, returns to Neville Arena for the first time on Saturday.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats was asked Friday about the upcoming reaction to Holloway’s presence at Neville Arena.
“Their fans are very energetic, very emotional,” Oats said. “I don’t know what words you like to use to describe them. I think you guys know how their fans are. Some, I’m sure, they’ll be rooting for Aden to have a bad game and he’s gotta be mentally tough and just go in there and play basketball.”
Holloway has improved his game this season with the Crimson Tide. After shooting just 31.8% from the field in his lone season at Auburn, he’s made 47.3% of his attempts throughout the 2024-25 season.
He had 10 points and an assist in 16 minutes when the Tigers visited Coleman Coliseum earlier this season. Auburn won that game 94-85.
“To me, it shouldn’t be any ‘You gotta prove this, that.’ He just needs to play basketball,” Oats said. “He needs to play tough, hard, physical. Make the right plays. Play smart. If he gets open shots, take them. But I don’t think he’s gonna force anything. He’s been really good for us.”
The stakes are lowered for Saturday’s game compared to the first IBOB of the year. That game was a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup, with the regular-season SEC title still up in the air.
Since then, the Crimson Tide has slid to No. 7 nationally, and the Tigers have clinched the championship. Alabama is mostly playing for NCAA Tournament seeding, though the pride of the rivalry remains.
The crowd will be set for Holloway. But Oats wasn’t worried.
“It’s obviously gonna be a big game for everybody in our program,” Oats said. “But him going back there, I’m sure their fans will be ready to see him and I think he’s a pretty mentally tough kid. He’ll be ready for the game.”
Alabama and Auburn are set to tip off at 1:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Neville Arena. The game will be aired on ESPN.
