What Is 2024-25 Alabama A&M basketball team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2024-25 Alabama A&M men's basketball team represents Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in NCAA Division I competition as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), with head coach Jason Howell entering his second season. The team is projected to play around 30 regular-season games, beginning in November 2024. Key returnees include guards Jalen Johnson and De'Sean Allen-Eikens.

Key Facts

Head coach Jason Howell is in his second season (2024-25) leading the program
Team plays home games at the A.E. Wood Coliseum in Huntsville, Alabama
2023-24 record was 12-19 overall, 9-9 in SWAC play
2024-25 non-conference schedule includes games against UAB and Alabama State
Jalen Johnson led the team in scoring in 2023-24 with 15.3 points per game

Overview

The 2024-25 Alabama A&M men's basketball team competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), representing Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in Huntsville. Under head coach Jason Howell, the team aims to improve on a 12-19 record from the previous season, with a focus on developing young talent and strengthening conference performance.

The Aggies play their home games at the A.E. Wood Coliseum, a 5,000-seat arena on campus, and are scheduled to begin the 2024-25 season in November 2024. With a mix of returning players and incoming recruits, the program is working toward a postseason berth and improved defensive consistency.

Jalen Johnson returns as the team's leading scorer from 2023-24, averaging 15.3 points per game and providing crucial backcourt stability.
De'Sean Allen-Eikens is expected to start at point guard, bringing 4.1 assists per game and improved ball-handling experience from last season.
The team's non-conference schedule includes matchups against UAB on December 14, 2024, offering a chance to build a strong resume early.
Alabama A&M finished 9-9 in SWAC play in 2023-24, tying for sixth place and narrowly missing the conference tournament semifinals.
Head coach Jason Howell was hired in March 2023 and is entering his second season with a focus on defensive discipline and player development.

How It Works

The Alabama A&M basketball program operates within NCAA Division I guidelines, with a structured season schedule, recruiting calendar, and conference alignment. The team's performance is shaped by coaching strategy, player development, and SWAC competition dynamics.

Season Structure: The 2024-25 season begins in November 2024 with non-conference games and runs through March 2025, including the SWAC Tournament. Teams typically play 30-35 games annually.
SWAC Membership: Alabama A&M competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, which includes 12 member schools and holds an annual tournament to determine its NCAA Tournament automatic qualifier.
Recruiting: The Aggies signed four recruits for the 2024 class, including a three-star point guard from Memphis, aiming to bolster backcourt depth.
Coaching Staff: Head coach Jason Howell leads a staff of four assistants, focusing on defensive schemes and player recruitment from the Southeast and Southwest regions.
Home Court: The A.E. Wood Coliseum has a capacity of 5,000 and serves as the primary venue for Aggies basketball, hosting both men's and women's teams.
Player Development: The program emphasizes academic eligibility and skill progression, with 82% graduation success rate reported by the university for athletes in 2023.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Alabama A&M stacks up against key SWAC rivals in recent performance and roster strength:

Team	2023-24 Overall Record	2023-24 SWAC Record	Key Player (2024-25)	Head Coach
Alabama A&M	12-19	9-9	Jalen Johnson (15.3 PPG)	Jason Howell
Alcorn State	18-15	12-6	Marquis Wright (14.8 PPG)	Lorenzo Duncan
Grambling State	22-12	13-5	JD Williams (16.1 PPG)	Donte' Jackson
Tennessee State	16-16	10-8	Christian David (13.9 PPG)	Devan Downey
Arkansas-Pine Bluff	10-22	7-11	Tyree Wells (12.4 PPG)	George Ivory

The table highlights that Alabama A&M is mid-tier in the SWAC, trailing powerhouses like Grambling State but ahead of lower-performing teams like Arkansas-Pine Bluff. With a balanced roster and improved coaching continuity, the Aggies aim to close the gap in 2024-25, particularly on defense and three-point shooting, where they ranked 10th in the conference at 29.8% last season.

Why It Matters

The 2024-25 season is pivotal for Alabama A&M as the program seeks to establish consistency and build a competitive identity within the SWAC. Success could boost recruiting, fan engagement, and conference visibility.

A strong season could improve the university's national RPI ranking, which was 312th in 2023-24, helping with postseason consideration.
Developing players like Jalen Johnson enhances the program's reputation for producing professional-level talent.
Winning more SWAC games increases chances of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament or NIT.
Improved attendance at A.E. Wood Coliseum could boost local economic impact and student involvement.
Success on the court supports broader university goals, including enrollment and alumni engagement.
The team serves as a platform for HBCU visibility, promoting Alabama A&M’s academic and cultural mission nationally.

As the Aggies enter a crucial development phase, the 2024-25 campaign offers a chance to lay the foundation for sustained success in one of college basketball’s most competitive HBCU conferences.