Former Alabama Players Shine in March Madness Openers

Crimson Tide alumni make an impact as NCAA tournament gets underway

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:03am

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Several former Alabama basketball players made their mark on the opening day of the 2026 NCAA tournament. Nimari Burnett scored 15 points to help lead Michigan to a blowout win, while Rylan Griffen contributed to Texas A&M's victory over Saint Mary's. Other ex-Crimson Tide stars like Nick Pringle and Davin Cosby Jr. also saw action, though their teams came up short. The focus now shifts to Alabama's own tournament opener against Hofstra on Friday, as well as upcoming games for Kentucky's Mouhamed Dioubate and Arizona's Jaden Bradley.

Why it matters

The strong performances by former Alabama players in the NCAA tournament showcase the program's ability to develop talent and send players to the highest levels of college basketball. It also provides excitement and interest for Crimson Tide fans as they follow the journeys of familiar faces in March Madness.

The details

Nimari Burnett, a former Alabama guard, scored 15 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists to help No. 1 seed Michigan cruise past No. 16 seed Howard, 101-80. Rylan Griffen, another ex-Crimson Tide player, contributed 4 points and 2 rebounds as Texas A&M defeated Saint Mary's. However, Nick Pringle did not play in No. 4 Arkansas' win over Hawaii due to an injury, and Davin Cosby Jr. also sat out Kennesaw State's loss to Gonzaga. Jarin Stevenson of North Carolina had 11 points and 5 rebounds in the Tar Heels' overtime defeat against VCU.

  • On Thursday, March 20, 2026, the first full day of the 2026 NCAA tournament took place.
  • Alabama will open its tournament run against Hofstra on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Nimari Burnett

A former guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Burnett is now playing for the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA tournament.

Rylan Griffen

A former Alabama player, Griffen contributed to Texas A&M's victory over Saint Mary's in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA tournament.

Nick Pringle

A former Alabama player who is currently sidelined with an injury and did not play in Arkansas' win over Hawaii in the NCAA tournament.

Davin Cosby Jr.

A former Alabama player who did not see action in Kennesaw State's loss to Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament.

Jarin Stevenson

A former Alabama player who is now with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Stevenson scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in their overtime defeat against VCU.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.