Alabama, the Crimson Tide, has been making waves in the college basketball world. With a 5-2 record against seven Power Five opponents, they've completed a tough non-conference schedule. In their latest test, they defeated Creighton, knocking off the Bluejays 83-75 inside Coleman Coliseum after a month's absence. Coach Nate Oats has been keeping a deep rotation, even with unexpected roster changes. Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury, and they decided to burn Pepperdine transfer Houston Mallette's redshirt to add depth to the guard rotation.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

Alabama has three games left in non-conference play. Their upcoming road test against North Dakota at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday on CBS Sports Network will be a significant moment. Forward Grant Nelson will have a homecoming, and it's another chance for other roster members to earn minutes in a trimmed-down rotation. Coach Oats knows it's hard playing with 11 guys and is working on trimming the rotation.Some of the upcoming roster decisions will depend on how fast Mallette and fellow transfer guard Chris Youngblood get back in shape. Youngblood made his debut against Creighton after recovering from a leg injury. Now that his ankle is healed, the next step is getting back in game shape, which is crucial in Alabama's fast-paced system that demands constant effort and aggressiveness.

Adjusting to Roster Changes

"It's a challenge to manage a deep rotation," Oats said. "We need to find the right balance. With Wrightsell out, we had to make some adjustments. Mallette's redshirt burn has added depth, but we still need to figure out how to use everyone effectively. Youngblood's return is a positive, but he needs to get back in game shape. It's a process that requires careful consideration."The Tide's break from Power Five opponents gives Oats the opportunity to tinker with different lineups. They need to find the combinations that work best before facing the grueling SEC schedule. The SEC has eight teams currently ranked in the Associated Press' top 25, and 13 SEC teams are seeded in the NCAA Tournament field. Alabama's ability to separate itself from the pack will depend on how well they implement a trimmed-down rotation.

Building Team Chemistry

"Team chemistry is essential," Oats emphasized. "With so many players vying for minutes, it's important that everyone works together. We've been focusing on individual skills during practice, but now we need to see how they translate on the court. Each game is an opportunity to build that chemistry and find the right rhythm."As Mallette and Youngblood work their way into the rotation, Alabama will face some tough decisions. They have a good problem in having a deep roster, but how the other players perform in the next three games will determine their usage. It's a delicate balance that Oats and the coaching staff are working on.

Preparing for the SEC

"The SEC is the toughest conference in college basketball history," Oats said. "We have three games left to get better at a lot of things. We need to be sharp on both ends of the court and have a consistent rotation. Every game will be a battle, and we need to be ready."With the SEC schedule approaching, Alabama is focused on getting ready. They know they'll face tough competition, but with the right adjustments and teamwork, they believe they can be successful.