The NBA season tipped off last week, and several former Alabama men’s basketball standouts wasted no time making their presence felt. From breakout performances to early-season adversity, Crimson Tide alumni are already turning heads across the league. Here’s how they fared in the first full week of NBA action.

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Noah Clowney (Forward, Brooklyn Nets)

The Brooklyn Nets are banking on a breakout season from Noah Clowney — and early signs point to steady growth from the South Carolina native. According to Erik Slater of ClutchPoints, the Nets picked up Clowney’s team option for the 2026–27 season, showing their confidence in his long-term potential.

Last season, Clowney averaged 9.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks on 35.8% shooting before an ankle injury cut his campaign short. With the addition of Michael Porter Jr., Clowney is expected to come off the bench this year, but his role remains significant.

This week, Clowney showed encouraging improvement in limited minutes — posting 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists on Wednesday, followed by 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists Friday, and closing the week with 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists Sunday.

Despite Clowney’s efforts, the Nets went 0–3, falling to the Hornets (117–113), Cavaliers (131–124), and Spurs (118–107). Brooklyn faces another tough stretch this week against the Rockets, Hawks, and 76ers.

A 2023 first-round pick, Clowney is known for his defensive versatility and rim awareness as a stretch forward. If the Nets are to contend this season, they’ll need his presence felt on both ends of the floor.

Mark Sears (Guard, Milwaukee Bucks)

Mark Sears made his NBA debut last week for the Milwaukee Bucks, logging his first minutes as a pro. Sears played seven minutes against the Cavaliers but didn’t register a point on the stat sheet.

Milwaukee went 2–1 on the week, defeating the Wizards and Raptors before falling to Cleveland. The Bucks now face a challenging homestand against the Knicks, Warriors, and Kings.

After going undrafted last summer, Sears signed a two-way contract with the Bucks — a well-deserved shot after an incredible senior season at Alabama. The 6’1” guard started all 37 games for the Crimson Tide last year, averaging 18.6 points (3rd in SEC), 5.1 assists (2nd in SEC), and 2.9 rebounds per game. He earned Consensus All-America First Team, All-SEC First Team, and Wooden Award finalist honors while leading Alabama to the Elite Eight.

With the departure of Damian Lillard and the Bucks looking to redefine their backcourt, Sears has a real opportunity to carve out a role. His elite shot-making and playmaking ability could become Milwaukee’s secret weapon off the bench.

Brandon Miller (Forward, Charlotte Hornets)

Brandon Miller reminded everyone exactly why he was the No. 2 overall pick in 2023. The second-year forward erupted for 25 points and 7 assists on 8-of-19 shooting Wednesday, including a 7-for-10 mark from the free-throw line.

Unfortunately, Miller’s week ended on a sour note after leaving Sunday’s game against the Wizards with left shoulder soreness. Before the injury, he averaged double figures across the Hornets’ 2–1 week, highlighted by a dominant 136–117 win over Brooklyn.

At Alabama, Miller became a household name under Nate Oats — becoming the first SEC player to win Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Tournament MVP in the same season. He was also the only Division I player in the past 30 years to record at least 696 points, 305 rebounds, and 106 three-pointers in a single season.

The Hornets haven’t announced a timeline for his return, but once Miller is healthy, expect Charlotte to be a team to watch in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Collin Sexton (Guard, Charlotte Hornets)

In June, the Charlotte Hornets acquired Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick from the Utah Jazz in exchange for center Jusuf Nurkić. The move has already paid dividends.

Sexton started the season hot, scoring 15 points and 3 assists Wednesday, 21 points and 7 assists Saturday, and 20 points in 33 minutes Sunday. His aggressive, attacking style gives Charlotte a much-needed scoring punch — especially with Brandon Miller sidelined.

Last season with Utah, Sexton averaged 18.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. The Georgia native, drafted eighth overall in 2018, earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors during his time with Cleveland.

As the Hornets prepare for matchups with the Heat, Magic, Timberwolves, and Jazz, Sexton’s energy and leadership will be crucial for this young, developing roster.

Herb Jones (Forward, New Orleans Pelicans)

The New Orleans Pelicans are thrilled to have Herb Jones back in action. After missing the 2024–25 season with a torn rotator cuff, the defensive specialist has returned looking as sharp as ever.

Jones dropped 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 three-pointers in Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies, then followed up with 7 rebounds and 2 assists against the Spurs. Despite the Pelicans’ 0–2 record, Jones’ effort on both ends of the floor has been invaluable.

New Orleans faces a brutal four-game stretch this week against the Celtics, Nuggets, Clippers, and Thunder. Jones’ defensive IQ, hustle, and emerging three-point shot make him a vital piece for the Pelicans as they look to stay competitive in the loaded Western Conference.

Keon Ellis (Guard, Sacramento Kings)

Keon Ellis continues to thrive as one of Sacramento’s most underrated contributors. The third-year guard posted 9 points on 4-of-5 shooting and a steal Wednesday, followed by 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals Friday, and 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists Sunday.

Ellis’ tenacity and defensive edge have cemented his role as a key rotation player for head coach Mike Brown. The Kings went 1–2 on the week but will look to bounce back against the Thunder, Bulls, and Bucks.

Undrafted in 2022, Ellis has carved out a reputation as a high-energy perimeter defender with a growing offensive arsenal — a testament to his development since his Alabama days.

JD Davison (Guard, Houston Rockets)

Former Crimson Tide guard JD Davison is starting a new chapter in Houston after signing a two-way deal with the Rockets this offseason, per Chris B. Haynes.

Davison spent last season primarily with the Maine Celtics in the G League, averaging 25.6 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. He appeared in 16 games for Boston’s main roster, averaging 2.1 points in limited minutes.

Davison did not appear in any games last week as the Rockets went winless against the Thunder and Pistons. Houston now faces the Nets, Raptors, and Celtics in the coming days.

With uncertainty at the guard position, Davison could find an opportunity to prove his playmaking and athleticism belong on the NBA stage.

Chris Youngblood (Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder) 

Tuscaloosa native Chris Youngblood’s NBA journey is just beginning — and he’s already making the most of it. After going undrafted in 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder signed him to a two-way deal last week.

Youngblood played three seasons at Kennesaw State before finishing his college career at Alabama, where he averaged 10.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in his final year.

In his first week as a pro, Youngblood contributed 3 points in 6 minutes Thursday and followed that with 4 points and 4 rebounds Saturday as the Thunder swept the Rockets, Pacers, and Hawks.

Oklahoma City will look to continue its hot start against the Mavericks, Kings, Wizards, and Pelicans this week. Youngblood’s confidence, defense, and shooting touch could help him earn consistent minutes in a deep OKC rotation.

Chase Brumfield is the morning producer and writer for Tide 100.9. He is currently a senior studying communications at Mississippi State University. Follow Chase for more Alabama content on X at @cb3864.