Alabama Freshmen Aiden Sherrell, Derrion Reid Taking in First NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is unlike any other stage in college basketball. The electric atmosphere, the pressure of one-and-done games, and the chance to play for a national championship are experiences that leave a lasting impression on players. For Aiden Sherrell and Derrion Reid, freshmen for the Alabama Crimson Tide, the 2025 NCAA Tournament marks their first journey into the heart of March Madness. As they prepare to take the court for the first time in this high-stakes environment, both players reflect on the significance of this moment and what it means for their future in Alabama basketball.

Coming from diverse backgrounds and having different skill sets, Sherrell and Reid both offer a glimpse into the future of Alabama basketball. While they may not be the most established players on the team yet, their roles in the upcoming tournament could be pivotal for Alabama’s championship aspirations. Their journey into the NCAA Tournament represents not only the next step in their individual careers but also the legacy of a program that has become a powerhouse in college basketball under head coach Nate Oats.

The Road to Alabama: Aiden Sherrell’s Journey

Aiden Sherrell came to Alabama with a reputation for his sharp basketball IQ and versatile skills. A native of Chicago, Sherrell played for one of the most competitive high school programs in the city, Simeon Career Academy, a school known for producing some of the top basketball talent in the country. With his strong defensive ability, court vision, and ability to stretch the floor as a forward, Sherrell quickly caught the attention of the Alabama coaching staff.

When he arrived in Tuscaloosa, Sherrell knew he had to adjust to the increased level of competition. The transition from high school to college basketball can be a daunting one, but Sherrell approached it with a work ethic and determination that impressed his coaches and teammates alike. His versatility on both ends of the floor was something that Oats saw as a valuable asset to the team. While Sherrell’s offensive game had some growing to do, his defensive presence and ability to guard multiple positions stood out from day one.

As the season progressed, Sherrell’s confidence grew. He found himself carving out a consistent role in the rotation, earning valuable minutes in key games. With his ability to defend the perimeter and switch on pick-and-rolls, Sherrell became a crucial piece in Alabama’s defensive scheme. Additionally, his willingness to work hard, learn from his mistakes, and embrace the Alabama team culture made him a valuable contributor off the bench.

Now, heading into his first NCAA Tournament appearance, Sherrell is focused on soaking in the moment.

“I’ve watched the NCAA Tournament my entire life, and the atmosphere is something that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it firsthand,” Sherrell said. “The excitement, the pressure—it’s all there. But at the end of the day, it’s just basketball. I’m going to focus on playing my game, doing what I do best, and helping my team however I can. This is a huge opportunity for all of us, and I’m ready to take it all in.”

For Sherrell, the tournament represents a chance to further prove himself on a national stage. The intensity of March Madness will test his mental toughness, adaptability, and poise under pressure, but he’s confident that the lessons he’s learned at Alabama will serve him well. With the future of Alabama basketball looking bright, Sherrell is eager to play his part in this momentous time for the program.

The Road to Alabama: Derrion Reid’s Journey

Derrion Reid, a highly touted freshman from Washington D.C., entered Alabama with high expectations as one of the top recruits in the nation. Known for his explosive athleticism, ability to score at all levels, and strong defensive skills, Reid was widely regarded as one of the most complete players in his recruiting class. After leading his high school team to several state championships, Reid was ready to take on the challenges of college basketball.

Upon arriving in Tuscaloosa, Reid quickly adjusted to the pace and physicality of SEC basketball. He joined a roster full of talented upperclassmen and veterans who were not only exceptional players but also great mentors for the freshmen. Reid immediately became an impact player for Alabama, showcasing his ability to make plays on both ends of the floor. With his smooth shooting stroke, athletic drives to the basket, and lockdown defense, Reid’s versatility made him an indispensable part of Alabama’s rotation. He quickly earned the trust of Oats and his coaching staff, and as the season progressed, Reid’s role on the team expanded.

As the tournament approached, Reid was eager to be a part of Alabama’s run to the national championship. Like Sherrell, he acknowledged that the NCAA Tournament is a different beast altogether. The bright lights, the media coverage, and the fanfare surrounding each game add a layer of pressure that many players find hard to deal with. However, Reid is determined to approach the tournament with the same focus and composure that has defined his game thus far.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in the NCAA Tournament, and now that it’s finally here, it’s an incredible feeling,” Reid said. “But I know I’ve got to stay focused and not get distracted. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the tournament, but the key is just doing what we’ve been doing all season long. Trusting the process, playing together, and staying true to who we are as a team. That’s how we’ll succeed.”

For Reid, the experience of playing in the NCAA Tournament is both a reward for his hard work and a new challenge that he’s eager to face head-on. He knows that the tournament will provide a platform for him to showcase his skills to a national audience, and he’s determined to make the most of it. With Alabama’s deep roster and well-rounded game, Reid will have every opportunity to make a significant impact in the tournament.

The Significance of Their First NCAA Tournament

For both Aiden Sherrell and Derrion Reid, the 2025 NCAA Tournament is a major milestone in their careers. Playing in March Madness is an experience that few athletes get to have, and for freshmen, it represents an incredible opportunity to showcase their talents on a stage unlike any other. Sherrell and Reid will not only be playing for the chance to win a national championship, but they will also be laying the foundation for what could be a bright future in Alabama basketball.

While the pressure of the tournament may seem overwhelming at times, both players have been preparing for this moment since their arrival at Alabama. Oats and his coaching staff have emphasized the importance of staying focused, playing as a team, and maintaining a level of poise that will allow the team to thrive in high-stakes situations. Sherrell and Reid have embraced this mindset, knowing that the key to success in March Madness is not just talent, but mental toughness, discipline, and teamwork.

“It’s easy to get caught up in all the noise and excitement surrounding the tournament,” Sherrell explained. “But at the end of the day, it’s about playing the game we love and trusting the guys around us. We’ve got a great team, and we know what we’re capable of. The key is just staying true to ourselves and playing Alabama basketball.”

Reid echoed these sentiments, adding, “This is the moment we’ve been working for. We’ve all put in the time, the effort, and the work to get here, and now it’s about showing what we’ve got. We’re not just here to make up the numbers—we’re here to compete and go as far as we can.”

What the Future Holds for Sherrell and Reid

While their focus is firmly on the present and helping Alabama achieve success in the tournament, both Sherrell and Reid know that their performance during March Madness could be the start of something much bigger. The NCAA Tournament provides a unique opportunity for young players to make a name for themselves, and with the talent both Sherrell and Reid possess, they have the potential to leave a lasting impression on the college basketball landscape.

For Sherrell, the tournament could be a chance to showcase his defensive skills and versatile offensive game on a national scale. If he continues to develop his shooting range and offensive consistency, he could become a key contributor in the future of Alabama basketball. Reid, on the other hand, is already showing flashes of brilliance as a scorer and defender, and the tournament will offer him an opportunity to further demonstrate his potential as one of the top young players in the country.

“We’re just getting started,” Reid said. “This is only the beginning of our journey at Alabama. We’re going to keep working, keep improving, and do whatever we can to help this team succeed, both now and in the future.”

The Alabama Basketball Culture

As freshmen, Sherrell and Reid are also experiencing the culture that has been built under Coach Oats. Alabama basketball is known for its fast-paced offense, tough defense, and emphasis on player development. Oats has created an environment where young players can thrive, and both Sherrell and Reid have embraced this culture. The combination of Oats’ coaching philosophy and the commitment of the players has made Alabama one of the top teams in the country.

For Sherrell and Reid, the tournament is not only an opportunity to show what they can do on the court but also a chance to contribute to the legacy of Alabama basketball. The program has a rich history of success, and both players are eager to play their part in continuing that tradition.

In a few years, when they look back on their careers, Sherrell and Reid will always remember their first NCAA Tournament as freshmen. For now, they are focused on the task at hand: competing for a national title, building their legacies, and helping Alabama achieve greatness in the world of college basketball.