The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team has officially added a compelling matchup to its upcoming non-conference schedule, and it comes with a notable storyline: the opposing team will be led by a familiar face—one who knows the inner workings of Alabama basketball intimately.
The game, slated for early December at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, will feature Alabama squaring off against the University of South Florida, now coached by former Crimson Tide assistant Charlie Henry. Henry, who spent several seasons under Alabama head coach Nate Oats, was a key contributor to the Crimson Tide’s rise into a national contender and helped shape the up-tempo, analytics-driven style of play that has become a hallmark of the program.
Now in his second year as USF’s head coach, Henry has begun imprinting his own version of that philosophy in Tampa. His Bulls squad is coming off a breakout season that included a top finish in the American Athletic Conference and a postseason tournament appearance. Henry’s familiarity with the Alabama system and personnel adds a strategic and emotional layer to a matchup that might otherwise fly under the radar.
“We’re really excited about the game,” Oats said in a statement. “Charlie is a great coach, and I’ve got a ton of respect for what he’s building at South Florida. It’s always fun—and a little weird—going up against someone who was in the locker room with you for so long. I know our guys are looking forward to the challenge.”
Henry joined Alabama in 2019 as Oats’ first staff hire upon arriving from the University at Buffalo. A former assistant with the Chicago Bulls and a longtime collaborator with Oats dating back to their time at Romulus High School in Michigan, Henry was known for his keen basketball IQ, tireless work ethic, and his emphasis on defensive discipline and offensive spacing. During his tenure in Tuscaloosa, Alabama won an SEC title, made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and earned a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance.
That success helped propel Henry into the coaching conversation for head jobs across the country. When the opportunity arose at USF, he took it, bringing with him several principles learned under Oats—though he has added his own tweaks to suit the Bulls’ personnel and culture.
For Alabama, the game against South Florida is more than just a non-conference tune-up. It’s part of a broader effort to bolster strength of schedule and prepare the team for the grind of SEC play and another deep March run. With stars like Mark Sears returning, along with a highly regarded recruiting class and key transfers, Alabama is expected to enter the season ranked in the top 10. Facing a disciplined, motivated USF team coached by someone who knows the Tide inside and out will be an early test.
Players like senior guard Rylan Griffen and sophomore forward Jarin Stevenson will remember working closely with Henry in their early days with the program. Several others were recruited during Henry’s time on staff. That shared history sets the stage for an unusually personal contest in what’s typically a business-like regular-season schedule.
“Coach Henry was a big part of helping me develop when I first got here,” Griffen said. “It’ll be strange to see him on the other bench, but we know he’ll have those guys ready. We’ve got to be sharp.”
From South Florida’s perspective, this game represents an opportunity to prove its legitimacy on a national stage. Beating a program like Alabama—especially on the road—would give the Bulls a signature win and reinforce their emergence as a force in the AAC. And for Henry, the chance to return to Tuscaloosa and test his progress against his mentor and former colleagues is not just meaningful—it’s a chance to validate the culture he’s building in Tampa.
“You always want to challenge yourself against the best,” Henry said in a recent interview. “Coach Oats gave me an incredible opportunity at Alabama, and I’m grateful for that. We’re excited to come back and compete.”
The game is expected to draw a large crowd, with students and alumni circling the date in anticipation. Beyond
