TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama Basketball is downsizing its roster. Before Monday's opener against UNC Asheville, Nate Oats announced that the Crimson Tide plans to redshirt Houston Mallette and Naas Cunningham this year.

Mallette, a senior transfer from Pepperdine, has one season of eligibility left. Cunningham, a true freshman, will have to play four seasons.

“We have decided in discussions with them and their families that we will redshirt Houston Mallette and Naas Cunningham,” Oats told Crimson Tide Sports Network. “Houston, more than that, he missed the whole summer with some knee injuries. And with the year of college basketball still ahead of him, he wants to have the best offseason possible before the season begins. And Naas, it's beneficial for him to gain some weight.” . It’s a lot easier to put on some weight when you’re not playing games.”

Mallette transferred to Alabama this offseason after averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for Pepperdine last season. The 6-foot-5 guard shot 43.1% from the field, 41.5% from three-point range and 81.7% from the free throw line. He received an honorable mention from the entire WCC.

Cunningham signed with Alabama as the No. 50 overall player in this year's class. The 6-foot, 175-pound forward averaged 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game for the Rolling Loud in the Overtime Elite League.

Mallette and Cunningham were unable to warm up with the rest of the team during the pregame shootaround. Without the duo, the Tide's roster includes 11 active scholarship players.