An Unlikely Hero Steps Up for Alabama in Win Over Kentucky

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - On Saturday morning, Alabama Men's Basketball (10-3) tipped off the SEC season opener against the Kentucky Wildcats (9-4) inside Coleman Coliseum.

The Crimson Tide started slowly but found its rhythm as the game progressed. Just before the half, with the Tide up 36-21, Aiden Sherrell exited the game holding his right knee and headed to the locker room.

With Sherrell's status suddenly in doubt, Noah Williamson stepped off the bench and into a leading role, delivering his best performance of the season.

Williamson played 18 minutes, tallying 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. It was his first double-digit scoring game after a slow start to the season.

"To me, the point of the game for him was the offensive rebound at the free throw line that he sets up, hitting the three in the corner," Alabama head coach Nate Oats said after the game. "We've been asking for those types of plays from some other guys in the front court, and he brought it for us; that may have been the most excited I was."

"The team loves it, and we need it," said Aden Holloway on Williamson's performance.

Holloway led the team in +/- at +20, with Williamson right behind at +15, a notable impact considering Holloway played 15 more minutes.

Amari Allen said this breakout from Williamson was something the team had seen coming.

"We all see his potential and know what he is capable of," Allen said.

Last season, Williamson averaged 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game at Bucknell, eventually winning Patriot League Player of the Year. This season, he has appeared in all 14 games for Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide. His previous best outing was a four-point, six-rebound game against UNLV in the Players Era Festival.

The Tide improves to 11-3 on the season and 1-0 in SEC play. On Wednesday, the team travels to Nashville to face the No. 11-ranked and currently undefeated Vanderbilt Commodores (14-0).