Alabama basketball has scheduled a non-conference game against one of head coach Nate Oats’ former assistants. Bryan Hodgson, who came to UA with Oats from Buffalo and served a Crimson Tide assistant for the past four seasons, will bring his Arkansas State squad to Tuscaloosa.

The game is scheduled for Dec. 4. Hodgson posted on social media about the game.

“One of the many things I’ve taken with me from (Oats) is his scheduling philosophy,” Hodgson said in the post. “Challenge yourself in the non-conference. Not much to gain from collecting wins at home against “lesser” opponents. We look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Hodgson took the job at Arkansas State after the Crimson Tide fell in the Sweet Sixteen in March.

Alabama’s non-conference schedule is close to being complete. The Crimson Tide have scheduled games against South Alabama, Indiana State, Liberty, Mercer, Clemson and Ohio State.

The Tide’s full schedule has not been release. However, the SEC announced Alabama’s opponents for the 2023-24 campaign, without dates.

Alabama will take on its permanent home-and-home rivals Auburn, LSU and Mississippi State. The other home-and-home opponent for next season include Florida and Tennessee.

UA will play road games against Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, Arkansas, Missouri, South Carolina and Texas A&M will visit Coleman Coliseum.

SEC play will begin Jan. 6 and go through March 9. The SEC basketball tournament is scheduled for March 13-17 in Nashville.