Hofstra's Aaron Estrada backs former school in March Madness matchup against Alabama

The ex-Hofstra standout who transferred to Alabama is rooting for the Pride in the two schools' upcoming NCAA Tournament game.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:55pm

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Aaron Estrada, a former Hofstra basketball standout who later transferred to Alabama and played in the 2024 Final Four, is backing his old school Hofstra in their upcoming March Madness matchup against his current school Alabama. Estrada, who has stayed involved with the Hofstra program, says he wishes both teams could win but if he had to choose, he's picking the Pride. He credits Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton for helping him grow and transfer to Alabama, where he received a lucrative NIL deal. Estrada believes Hofstra can pull off the upset, predicting a 90-85 Pride victory, and has been in touch with the current Hofstra players to offer his support.

Why it matters

This story highlights the loyalty and connections that can develop between players and their former college programs, even after transferring. Estrada's support for Hofstra despite playing for Alabama shows the lasting impact a coach like Speedy Claxton can have on a player's life. It also raises interest in the upcoming March Madness matchup between the two schools, with an underdog Hofstra team looking to pull off a surprise win.

The details

Aaron Estrada, a 24-year-old guard, played for Hofstra from 2020-2023 before transferring to Alabama, where he played in the 2024 Final Four. Despite his success at Alabama, Estrada has remained connected to the Hofstra program, returning for offseason workouts and even FaceTiming the team on Selection Sunday after the Hofstra-Alabama matchup was set. When pressed by his current Hofstra teammates about which side he would take, Estrada said he's picking Hofstra, crediting Speedy Claxton for selflessly helping him grow and transfer to Alabama, where he received a lucrative NIL deal. Estrada believes Hofstra can pull off the upset, predicting a 90-85 Pride victory, and has been in touch with the current Hofstra players to offer his support.

  • Hofstra is making its first March Madness appearance in 25 years.

The players

Aaron Estrada

A 24-year-old guard who played for Hofstra from 2020-2023 before transferring to Alabama, where he played in the 2024 Final Four. He has remained connected to the Hofstra program and is backing the Pride in their upcoming March Madness matchup against his current school, Alabama.

Speedy Claxton

The head coach of the Hofstra Pride, who selflessly helped Estrada grow and transfer to Alabama, where he received a lucrative NIL deal.

Biggie Patterson

A senior guard on the Hofstra Pride team, who said Estrada's support means a lot to the team.

Cruz Davis

A guard on the Hofstra Pride team, who said he likes the odds of Estrada's 90-85 prediction for the Pride.

Joshua DeCady

A sophomore forward on the Hofstra Pride team from Queens Village, New York, who is excited for the team's March Madness appearance and wants to show the world what they can do.

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What they’re saying

“I think the Pride could get 'em. And, I always love an underdog story.”

— Aaron Estrada

“I didn't necessarily want to see Aaron leave, but I knew that his leaving and getting a big payday would be good for him and his family. I was extremely happy for him. I watched him every step of the way for that stretch. I became an Alabama Crimson Tide fan.”

— Speedy Claxton, Hofstra Head Coach

“It means a lot coming from him.”

— Cruz Davis, Hofstra Guard

“I'm just so happy. I can't wait to get down there. We just want to show the world what we can do.”

— Joshua DeCady, Hofstra Sophomore Forward

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 the lasting connections and loyalty that can develop between players and their former college programs, even after transferring. Estrada's support for Hofstra despite playing for Alabama shows the impact a coach like Speedy Claxton can have, and raises anticipation for the upcoming March Madness matchup between the two schools.