BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — College basketball fans in Birmingham are in for a treat this fall as both Alabama and Auburn will host exhibition games at Boutwell Auditorium. The events are part of a growing trend in college basketball to engage fanbases with preseason action.
“It’s an honor. I mean, you look at where exhibition and scrimmages are going in college basketball, and it’s continuing to grow and grow. You’re going to see events like these pop up more and more,” said Auburn Assistant Coach Steven Pearl.
Alabama Assistant Coach Preston Murphy expressed excitement about the opportunity to connect with a different fan base. “But just coming to Birmingham, seeing a different fan base, like we have some great fans here in me for a great atmosphere for the guys to go to play and perform in front of,” he said.
For Auburn, the return of guard Taahas Pettiford is the highlight of the offseason. Pearl noted Pettiford’s impact on the team, saying, “His presence, it just changed things in the gym. Obviously, guys felt more comfortable in what we were doing because he was able to be out there and help, you know, direct them and guide them. And you can, he’s always been vocal. You know, he came in on day one and was talking trash to Johni and those guys and just, you know, wanted it to be known that he’s he’s a competitor.”
Meanwhile, Alabama’s backcourt will feature a new face this season with Pepperdine transfer Houston Mallette expected to play a significant role. “I’m incredibly excited. I’m incredibly blessed that my medical red shirt got approved and everything. I love Alabama. I tell people all the time, if I had more eligibility, I’d come back and come back and come back. So I’m, I’m really excited. It was a lot of fun last year, but I’m incredibly excited to get back and help lead this team,” Mallette said.
Alabama will face Florida State, while Auburn will take on Oklahoma State in what promises to be two fantastic exhibition matchups in a historic setting.