Aden Holloway of Alabama Takes on the Team’s Three-Point Ability With Confidence.
Alabama basketball has been on the rise in recent years, consistently showcasing impressive talent and a competitive edge in the NCAA. One of the key contributors to the Crimson Tide’s success this season is freshman guard Aden Holloway, whose impact on the court has been significant. Holloway has made a name for himself not just for his playmaking skills but also for his confidence in his team’s three-point shooting ability.
In a recent interview, Holloway gave a candid and insightful take on the team’s prowess from beyond the arc, offering a glimpse into his mindset and how he views Alabama’s offensive identity. His words, filled with belief in his teammates and an understanding of the importance of the three-point shot in today’s game, reflect his understanding of modern basketball. But Holloway’s comments are not just a passing observation—they are rooted in the strategies and preparation that have helped elevate Alabama’s performance this season.
The Evolution of the Three-Point Game
Before diving into Holloway’s perspective, it’s essential to recognize the shift that the three-point shot has undergone in recent years. Once considered a niche weapon, the three-pointer has become a central part of basketball, particularly in college basketball, where spacing and pace have become increasingly important. Teams are now shooting more threes than ever before, often relying on the shot to stretch defenses and open up the court for fast breaks and inside plays.
In the NBA, we’ve seen the likes of Stephen Curry revolutionize the game with his three-point shooting ability, and college teams have followed suit, integrating the deep ball into their offensive schemes. For Alabama, this has been no different. Under head coach Nate Oats, who has built his offensive system around high-paced play and three-point shooting, the Crimson Tide has become a team that thrives on outside shooting, making the three-pointer a key weapon in their arsenal.
Holloway’s Confidence in the Team
Aden Holloway, who has been a standout player for Alabama, has fully embraced the team’s approach to long-range shooting. The freshman point guard spoke with confidence about the team’s shooting ability, noting that Alabama’s shooters can rival anyone in the country. Holloway himself has been a key part of the team’s success from deep, but he is quick to highlight the collective strength of the group, emphasizing that it’s not just about one player but about a team effort.
“I think we have one of the best shooting teams in the country,” Holloway said. “We have guys who can shoot from anywhere on the court. It’s something that we’ve worked on every day in practice—getting those reps up, working on our form, and knowing that we can trust each other to knock down shots. We have so many players who can step up, and it’s just a matter of finding the right opportunities.”
Holloway’s words reflect a deep trust in his teammates and their collective ability to hit shots from beyond the arc. This trust is not only built through practice but also through the chemistry and confidence they’ve developed over the course of the season. Holloway knows that Alabama’s success from deep is a product of individual skill sets, team chemistry, and the tactical freedom that coach Oats has implemented.
Team Chemistry and the Spacing Game
One of the key factors that has allowed Alabama to thrive from three-point range is their offensive spacing. In today’s basketball landscape, having good spacing is crucial for creating open looks, especially from long range. By spreading the floor, Alabama gives their shooters the room they need to operate, whether it’s a catch-and-shoot opportunity or a step-back three.
Holloway’s role as a point guard has been instrumental in setting up his teammates for success. As a playmaker, he’s able to create opportunities by drawing defenders and finding open shooters. This dynamic allows players like Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney, and others to get open looks from deep. Holloway’s vision and ability to distribute the ball have made Alabama’s offense even more potent, creating a scenario where multiple players are threats from three.
The point guard’s ability to read defenses and make the right pass is especially important in a system where spacing and ball movement are so crucial. Holloway’s maturity and court awareness belie his freshman status, and his ability to facilitate Alabama’s offense makes him a perfect fit for Oats’ fast-paced, three-point-heavy system. His confidence in his team’s shooting ability stems from his firsthand experience in the offensive flow that generates so many open looks.
Holloway also recognizes the importance of shooting confidence. In today’s game, confidence in one’s shooting ability is just as important as the physical technique. Players who are hesitant to shoot or second-guess their decisions on the floor are less likely to succeed. Holloway’s mindset and the team’s overall approach are rooted in a culture of confidence—each player knows that if they get an open look, they are expected to knock it down.
Preparation and Practice: Building a Three-Point Culture
Holloway’s confidence in his team’s shooting ability doesn’t come from thin air—it’s the result of countless hours spent working on the fundamentals of shooting. For Alabama, this commitment to practice is evident in the way they approach each game, constantly refining their shooting technique and working on drills that simulate game situations.
“We work on our shooting every day,” Holloway explained. “We have a lot of shooting drills, and we make sure that each player gets up as many shots as possible. We also work on game situations, where we simulate catch-and-shoot opportunities or shots off the dribble. The more we practice, the more confidence we build. It’s all about putting in the work and trusting the process.”
This dedication to improving their shooting has clearly paid off. Alabama ranks among the top teams in the nation in three-point shooting percentage, and their ability to score from deep has been a major factor in their offensive success. Players like Miller, who has the ability to shoot from nearly any spot on the court, and other key contributors have all benefited from this culture of preparation.
In addition to individual shooting drills, the Crimson Tide’s team-wide approach to shooting is another key element. By practicing together and emphasizing the importance of spacing, ball movement, and shot selection, the players have developed a rhythm that allows them to find open looks consistently. This team-oriented approach to shooting is a direct reflection of the coaching philosophy and a shared understanding of the role the three-point shot plays in modern basketball.
The Influence of Coach Nate Oats
Aden Holloway’s confidence in his team’s three-point shooting ability is not just a personal belief—it’s a product of the system implemented by coach Nate Oats. Oats, who has gained recognition for his fast-paced, three-point-oriented offense, has built a program that prioritizes high-volume shooting. His philosophy is centered around maximizing space on the floor and taking advantage of open shots from deep.
“We want to take as many threes as we can,” Oats has said in the past. “We have a system that’s designed to get our shooters open looks, and we believe that if we keep shooting, we’ll hit those shots. It’s about creating a rhythm and trusting that our guys can knock down shots when the opportunities arise.”
This approach has been highly effective for Alabama, especially with a group of players who are well-suited for this style of play. Holloway, as a freshman, has fit seamlessly into this system, learning from Oats’ coaching and embracing the philosophy that has turned Alabama into one of the nation’s most dangerous shooting teams.
Under Oats, the Crimson Tide have evolved into a program where the three-point shot is central to their offensive identity. Holloway’s belief in his team’s shooting ability is a direct reflection of the culture Oats has cultivated, where shooters are empowered to take—and make—open shots.
Looking Ahead: Alabama’s Three-Point Future
With Aden Holloway’s continued development and Alabama’s wealth of talented shooters, the future of the Crimson Tide’s three-point game looks promising. Holloway’s confidence in his team’s shooting ability sets the tone for the rest of the players, creating an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to take their shots when the opportunity presents itself.
As the season progresses, Alabama’s success from three-point range will likely remain a key part of their offensive strategy. Whether in the SEC or the NCAA tournament, the team’s ability to hit shots from deep will be crucial in determining how far they can go. Holloway’s belief in his teammates, combined with the preparation and coaching they receive, gives them the confidence needed to make a deep run in March.
In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, where the three-point shot is a defining feature of the modern game, Aden Holloway’s take on Alabama’s shooting ability reflects a team that is well-prepared and ready to compete with anyone. As Holloway and his teammates continue to build on their collective shooting skills, Alabama’s future looks bright, with a team capable of competing at the highest level and continuing to excel from beyond the arc.