Alabama basketball anticipates being without one of its incoming star guards to start the 2025-26 season.
The University of Alabama’s NIL collective announced on the morning of Sunday, Sept. 21 that Miami sophomore transfer Jalil Bethea suffered an injury and has no timetable to return, according to Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats.
“Jalil Bethea injured his left foot during practice this week, which required surgery to repair. The procedure was performed by Dr. Norman Waldrop with Andrews Sports Medicine on Friday, Sept. 19th in Birmingham,” Oats said.
Oats added that the team doesn’t expect the injury is “season ending” and is counting on a “return this year.”
Bethea, an 5-star prospect, arrived in Tuscaloosa in April. In 31 games with Miami, he averaged 7.1 points and 2.1 rebounds.
Alabama starts the preseason on October 16 against Florida State at the Ballin’ in Boutwell exhibition in Birmingham.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.