Nate Oats reveals status of Jaxon Richardson, Anderson Diaz before Alabama basketball opener

Alabama basketball will have freshman forward Jaxon Richardson available when it opens the 2026-27 season against Sam Houston, though his playing time will be limited.

Richardson will be on a “minutes restriction” for the Crimson Tide‘s season opener against Sam Houston on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats told college basketball insider Jon Rothstein. Fellow freshman Anderson Diaz is “doubtful” for the season opener, according to the same report from Saturday, Oct. 31.

Richardson missed Alabama‘s first two exhibitions against Furman and Ole Miss while dealing with what Oats previously described as minor injuries and illness.

The 6-foot-6 forward made his preseason debut in Alabama’s 87-85 exhibition win over Auburn on Oct. 22, logging 10 minutes. While he didn’t score, he recorded one steal and a block.

The former McDonald’s All-American is among the Crimson Tide’s most anticipated newcomers. Following the Auburn exhibition, Oats expressed that Richardson had the potential to become one of the best defenders he has coached, comparing his upside to former Alabama standout Herb Jones.

Diaz, meanwhile, did not appear in preseason play after suffering a left elbow injury. Oats said Oct. 8 that the freshman guard would be sidelined for approximately a month and would not require surgery.

Alabama will also be without guard Aden Holloway, who is serving the final two games of his five-game suspension.

The Crimson Tide hosts Sam Houston at 6:30 p.m. CT Tuesday at Coleman Coliseum.

LOOKING AHEAD: Top-ranked 2028 point guard announces offer from Alabama basketball

REQUIRED READING: Alabama basketball earns 2027 commitment from another 5-star

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nate Oats reveals status of Jaxon Richardson, Anderson Diaz before Alabama basketball opener