C.M. Newton Classic: Alabama vs St. John’s Men’s Basketball

The C.M. Newton Classic game honors former Alabama men’s basketball head coach C.M. Newton. Newton was not only known for his coaching accolades but the impact he made on and off the court. Newton stood for courage and was the first coach to put forth an all-Black starting five and recruit players like Wendell Hudson.

Alabama and St. John’s meet in Birmingham after matching Sweet 16 runs in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Led by two of college basketball’s most recognizable coaches in Nate Oats and Rick Pitino, the Crimson Tide and Red Storm enter the season with national championship aspirations and expectations of competing among the nation’s elite.

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