Chris Fleming, a former NBA assistant, has joined Alabama’s coaching staff.

Alabama men’s basketball made waves on May 22, 2025, when the program officially announced the hiring of former NBA assistant coach Chris Fleming as the newest member of head coach Nate Oats’s staff. The move, revealed by the Crimson Tide’s NIL collective, Yea Alabama, fills the vacancy left by Ryan Pannone, who departed to become the head coach at Arkansas State. Fleming’s arrival represents the latest in a line of high-profile NBA assistants to join the Tide, underscoring Alabama’s commitment to blending professional-level coaching experience with its collegiate system .

Fleming steps into the role previously occupied by Pannone, who spent the past two seasons in Tuscaloosa primarily overseeing Alabama’s offense before accepting his new position on March 29, 2025. As part of Oats’s staff, Fleming will join returning assistants Preston Murphy—who leads on-court coaching, player development, opponent scouting, and recruiting—and Brian Adams, who focuses on defensive strategy. This trio now comprises Oats’s seventh coaching staff since his arrival, completing a group that marries SEC familiarity with NBA pedigree .

Over the past decade, Fleming has established himself as a trusted voice on NBA sidelines. His first NBA opportunity came in the 2015–16 season as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets. He then spent three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets (2016–2019), followed by five years as part of the Chicago Bulls’ coaching staff (2019–2024). Most recently, he served during the 2024–25 campaign as an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers. Each stop afforded him the chance to work under varied systems and head coaches, providing him with a broad tactical arsenal to bring to the collegiate ranks .

Yet Fleming’s résumé is not limited to the NBA. Prior to crossing the Atlantic, he devoted over 14 years to coaching in Germany, including stints as head coach of Quakenbrücker TSV (later Artland Dragons) and, most prominently, Brose Baskets Bamberg. Under his stewardship, Bamberg captured four German League (Bundesliga) championships (2010–2013) and four German Cup titles, while Fleming himself was named Bundesliga Coach of the Year in 2011. He also led the German national team from 2014 to 2018, guiding them through EuroBasket and FIBA World Cup competitions. This extensive international experience not only honed his strategic insights but also demonstrated his ability to adapt to diverse player talents and basketball cultures .

A former player, Fleming’s basketball journey began at the University of Richmond, where he competed from 1989 to 1993. After graduation, he continued his playing career overseas with Quakenbrücker TSV from 1994 to 2000, gaining first-hand appreciation for the rigors of European professional basketball. This blend of playing and coaching experience at multiple levels equips him to relate to today’s student-athletes, many of whom aspire to professional careers both in the United States and abroad .

Head coach Nate Oats has often favored assistants with NBA backgrounds. Pannone, Adams, and former staff member Charlie Henry all transitioned from the professional ranks to Tuscaloosa, attracted by Oats’s up-tempo, position-less system. Fleming’s hiring continues this trend, leveraging his familiarity with high-level offensive and defensive schemes cultivated in the NBA. Oats’s style—characterized by rapid pace and positional versatility—mirrors modern professional basketball, making Fleming’s insights particularly valuable .

Replacing a departure as impactful as Ryan Pannone is no small task. Under Pannone, Alabama led the country in points per game during both seasons of his tenure and paced the nation in possessions per contest in 2024–25, earning the nickname “fastest-paced program in college basketball.” With his track record of uptempo Bundesliga offenses and adaptive defensive sets, Fleming faces the challenge of maintaining—and ideally enhancing—the Tide’s signature style. His history of success in Germany, coupled with high-tempo NBA systems, suggests he possesses the tactical versatility to uphold these standards .

Beyond X’s and O’s, Fleming is celebrated for his player development acumen. While with the Chicago Bulls, he built strong rapports with players such as Coby White, who credited Fleming for personalized mentorship: “He’s been with me personally since I got drafted. He always believed in me no matter what. But he also didn’t just tell me what I wanted to hear. He told me what I needed to hear, and he always pushed me to be more vocal.” This capacity to cultivate trust and accountability will be crucial for Alabama’s young roster, which returns only four scholarship players from its Elite Eight squad .

That youthful core—anchored by guards Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Houston Mallette, both of whom missed significant time last season due to injuries—alongside newcomers and transfers, will look to Fleming for guidance on refining their skill sets. His international and NBA background will provide perspectives on spacing, ball movement, and shot creation, areas where Alabama aims to sustain its offensive dynamism. Moreover, Fleming’s familiarity with advanced analytics and performance tracking, staples of modern NBA programs, could enhance the Tide’s data-driven approach to player development and game preparation .

Recruiting, too, stands to benefit from Fleming’s arrival. As a recruiter in Germany and a connector within NBA circles, he brings networks that span continents. While Alabama enjoys a robust pipeline in the Southeast, Fleming’s presence may open doors to international prospects and U.S. players seeking professional-style development in college. In an era where NIL considerations increasingly influence recruitment, having a coach with a proven track record at the sport’s highest levels can be a distinct advantage .

The Crimson Tide’s NIL collective, Yea Alabama, played a pivotal role in publicizing Fleming’s hiring, reflecting the growing symbiosis between athletic departments and NIL entities. By touting professional hires like Fleming, Yea Alabama underscores the program’s ambition to offer student-athletes not just financial opportunities but also pathways to professional readiness. This alignment between coaching hires and NIL branding further elevates Alabama’s profile among recruits and fans alike .

As Alabama prepares for the 2025–26 season, anticipation is high. The Tide finished third in the Southeastern Conference and reached the Elite Eight in 2024–25, marking back-to-back deep NCAA Tournament runs. With Fleming joining Murphy and Adams, Oats’s staff blends continuity with fresh perspectives. The offseason will test their collective abilities to integrate new players, refine offensive sets, and instill defensive discipline. Fleming’s first spring practice and summer workouts will offer the first tangible glimpses of his impact on the floor .

Ultimately, Chris Fleming’s transition from NBA sidelines to college bench represents a strategic coup for Alabama men’s basketball. His multifaceted experience—as an international head coach, NBA assistant, and former professional player—aligns seamlessly with Nate Oats’s vision of a modern, pace-driven program. While replacing a departed architect like Ryan Pannone is daunting, Fleming’s proven adaptability, player-first coaching philosophy, and extensive network position him as an ideal steward of Alabama’s continued ascent. As the Tide gears up for another pursuit of SEC glory and national prominence, all eyes will be on how Fleming’s professional pedigree translates into collegiate success.