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In a recent installment of BamaCentral's 'Just a Minute' video series, beat writers for the Alabama Crimson Tide on SI shared their insights on a pressing question: which five players should form Alabama's all-defensive unit when the game hangs in the balance? The series, which features multiple videos each week, offers analysis on Crimson Tide sports and the broader college athletics landscape.
Basketball and football writer Hunter De Siver tackled the topic, discussing the five best defensive players on Alabama's roster. The question mirrors one posed to head coach Nate Oats during a Nov. 2 press conference, where Oats was asked who would take the last shot in a close game. While Oats named several candidates for that offensive scenario, the defensive endgame requires a different set of skills.
With 10 seconds left and Alabama either protecting a one-possession lead or tied, the focus shifts to who can get stops. The Crimson Tide has already played three regular-season games and three exhibitions, and the competition will only intensify, especially in SEC play. De Siver's picks reflect early-season observations and highlight players who have shown defensive prowess.
Key Analysis
De Siver's first selection is Jaxon Richardson, whom Oats compared to former Alabama standout and All-NBA defender Herb Jones. Despite limited playing time due to injuries, Richardson has flashed his potential, notably in a scrimmage against Auburn where he locked down Tahaad Pettiford and shadowed Kevin Overton, the Tigers' top two scorers. If a backcourt player has the ball in the final seconds, Richardson is the go-to defender.
Amari Allen, who withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft to address scouts' requests for him to get bigger, has demonstrated the ability to guard positions 1 through 4. His versatility and continued physical development could make him a lottery pick in 2027, and his defensive growth is a key part of that trajectory.
Tarris Bouie is known for his offensive highlights, but his defensive contributions are equally impressive. His athleticism aids him on the boards and as a shot-blocker, while his lengthy wingspan makes him a ball-hawking threat. Bouie recorded six steals in the season opener against Furman, showcasing his disruptive potential.
Brandon Garrison has won the team's hard hat award in all three games, given to the player with the most blue-collar points—deflections, dives, drawn fouls, and other hustle plays that don't appear in the box score. His 10-deflection performance against Oakland exemplifies his consistent physicality and effort, earning him a spot on the all-defensive team.
Keitenn Bristow, limited to 10 games last season due to injury, has turned his flashes of potential into consistent production. He has blocked three shots in each of the first three games, establishing himself as a reliable rim protector and rounding out De Siver's defensive lineup.
For more Crimson Tide coverage, fans can sign up for the free newsletter and follow BamaCentral on social media platforms. Hunter De Siver, the lead basketball writer for BamaCentral, has covered Alabama football since 2024 and previously wrote about the NFL and NBA for On SI. He is a 2023 graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in sports media.