It wasn't pretty - and exhibitions typically aren't - but Alabama basketball defeated Florida State 109-105 on Thursday night in the now-annual "Ballin in Boutwell" exhibition in Birmingham. It was the first look at the 2025-26 Crimson Tide, and there was plenty to like and plenty to work on.
Exhibitions are measuring sticks, and also give coaches opportunities to try different things you wouldn't likely see if the game mattered. You have to take the result with a grain of salt, though the process is certainly important.
Alabama was without three expected contributors: Jalil Bethea, who will miss an extended period of time after undergoing foot surgery, Noah Williamson, and Latrell Wrightsell.