Rick Barnes Says Gameplan Didn't Change Despite Bediako

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Crimson Tide fell to the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night in Coleman Coliseum, making just six 3FG on the night in a six-point loss. The loss marked Alabama's fifth-straight loss to Rick Barnes and Tennessee.

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Alabama made a midweek addition to its lineup, adding Charles Bediako from the NBA G-League to provide size and bring back the rim protection that Bediako provided to the Crimson Tide the last time he played under Alabama head coach Nate Oats. With 16:11 left in the first half, Bediako subbed in to an Alabama basketball game for the first time since March 2023, when the Crimson Tide took on San Diego State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Despite the midweek addition of the big man, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said the Volunteers did not change their game plan despite Bediako's sudden addition to the Crimson Tide.

"He's a player we knew coming in, playing him in the past, that he can go get those lobs, rebounds, change shots," Barnes said after Tennessee's 79-73 victory over Alabama. "But we didn't do one thing different in terms of our scouting report.

"We planned all week with Aiden (Sherrell) and those guys being here. When they made the changes they made, nothing's changed, and now we're gonna guard these guys, do what we need to do. Nate's (Oats) always had some guys like that - lob threat, set screens, roll, or play behind the basket - we really didn't. Even before it was announced he would play, we already had the game plan in, and we didn't change anything."

Even with the addition of Bediako, it wasn't enough for Alabama, as the Crimson Tide was outrebounded 42-33 with a staggering 27-16 rebounding difference in the second half. Alabama was also out-scored in the paint 16-12 in the second half.

Bediako finished the night with 13 points on 5-6 shooting from the floor, with almost all of his points coming via a lob or a layup. Bediako collected just three rebounds in the loss.

Alabama's next game will come on Tuesday, January 27, against the Missouri Tigers in Coleman Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.