Alabama and Arizona Set for High-Stakes Rematch in 2024-25 Season

Under head coach Nate Oats, Alabama has become known for its tough non-conference schedule, consistently challenging its players with some of the best teams in the country. This commitment to strength of schedule has paid off in the form of high-level competition, and the Crimson Tide’s 2024-25 season will be no different. According to KenPom, Alabama finished with the most difficult schedule in the nation this past season, further solidifying Oats’ approach of not shying away from top-tier matchups.

A key highlight from the 2023-24 season was Alabama’s trip to Phoenix on December 20, 2023, where they faced off against a top-five Arizona team. Despite a hard-fought battle, the Crimson Tide fell short, losing 87-74 to the Wildcats. However, Alabama will have a chance to exact revenge when the two teams meet again on December 13, 2024, in Birmingham. This rematch promises to be one of the most highly anticipated games of the season for both teams, as they look to regain momentum after their respective NCAA Tournament exits.

Both Alabama and Arizona will be entering the new season with notable roster changes, as several key players have moved on due to graduation, eligibility expiration, or the transfer portal. For Arizona, the departures include center Henri Veesaar and forward K.J. Lewis. Veesaar, who averaged 9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, transferred to North Carolina, while Lewis, who contributed 10.8 points per game, has moved to Georgetown. These departures leave significant gaps in Arizona’s lineup that will need to be filled by new talent and returning players.

Alabama has also been affected by roster turnover. The Crimson Tide will be without forwards Jarin Stevenson and Mouhamed Dioubate, who combined for 12.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this past season. Dioubate, in particular, made headlines when he transferred to Kentucky in early April. Alabama’s roster changes are significant, but Oats will undoubtedly look to reload with the talent available in the transfer portal.

Both teams had strong NCAA Tournament campaigns in 2025, with Arizona reaching the Sweet 16 as the No. 5 seed and Alabama making it to the Elite Eight as the No. 2 seed. However, neither could overcome the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils, with Arizona falling in the Sweet 16 and Alabama bowing out in the Elite Eight. The 2024-25 rematch between these two elite programs will not only be a clash of talent but also an opportunity to see which team has adapted best to their offseason roster changes.

As the season approaches, the anticipation for this high-stakes encounter is already building.