After spending one season at Auburn, Aden Holloway is heading across the state to play for a dreaded rival. Nate Oats and Alabama recruited Holloway out of the NCAA transfer portal and landed his commitment, meaning he will be on the other side of the Iron Bowl of Basketball. A move people on the Plains are upset about while folks in Tuscaloosa are poking fun at Auburn’s expense.
Bruce Pearl got in on the action Tuesday night, comparing the situation to the sport the state knows best — football. What if Auburn’s quarterback (maybe Payton Thorne?) decided to go play for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama? The hostility would certainly be there the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Pearl believes something similar is in store due to Holloway’s transfer.
“It would be like if Auburn’s quarterback went to play quarterback for Alabama,” Pearl said. “What do you think that would do for the Iron Bowl? It would make it more interesting and continue to add to the rivalry.”
While it was not a quarterback, there was some crossover between Alabama and Auburn in football this offseason. Hugh Freeze took in defensive back Antonio Kite after Kite spent two seasons playing under Nick Saban. Kite moved on from the Crimson Tide following Saban’s replacement and will be back in Bryant-Denny Stadium wearing Auburn colors on Nob. 30.
If Kite’s name is announced over the loudspeakers ahead of kickoff, there could be some boos raining down from the stands. Maybe not as loud if a quarterback was involved in the crossover.
Holloway will certainly not be a welcomed customer when he returns to Neville Arena next season. The Jungle will be all over his return, ready to let their thoughts known.
The Iron Bowl of Basketball is set to be at its peak during the 2024-25 season. On3’s James Fletcher currently has Alabama as the No. 1 team in his way-too-early preseason top 25 rankings, while Auburn is not too far behind at No. 8. Both teams have endured fruitful spells in recent years under Oats and Pearl but the top-level success has not overlapped.
Plenty of spice will be mixed in during the two matchups. Holloway’s transfer only adds to what should be emotional games between Alabama and Auburn, likely having more than just bragging rights on the line.
Hopefully, the SEC decides to schedule them on the big stage and the entire college basketball world gets to see.
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