Men’s Basketball Announces Staff Updates

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – On Thursday, Alabama men's basketball announced a pair of staffing changes for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Josh Pierre, who served as director of operations the last four seasons, has been promoted to director of player development. In addition to Pierre, Alex Accetta will rejoin the UA staff as the Crimson Tide's director of program relations.

Josh Pierre Bio

"Over the past four seasons Josh has been tremendous in his work keeping our program running at the highest level," head coach Nate Oats said. "Competitive college basketball runs in his blood. I expect great things from Josh in his new role. His instincts are strong and he continues to raise the bar for our players and the program."

Spent the last four seasons at Alabama serving as the director of basketball operations (2022-26)
During Pierre's four seasons at UA, the Tide won 109 games overall and 55 SEC contests highlighted by the program's first-ever NCAA Final Four appearance during the 2023-24 season
Alabama has appeared in four straight Sweet 16s since Pierre arrived to The Capstone
During his time at UA, the program has had four All-America selections in Labaron Philon Jr. (2026), Mark Sears (2025, 2024) and Brandon Miller (2023)
The Tide had three players selected in the NBA Draft – Labaron Philon Jr. (2026), Brandon Miller (2023) and Noah Clowney (2023) over that same span
In his first season in Tuscaloosa, the Tide captured the 2023 SEC Regular Season Championship and the SEC Tournament crown while becoming the first team in program history to earn the No.1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament
Father, Butch Pierre, possesses more than three decades of college basketball coaching experience with stops at LSU (2006 Final Four) Oklahoma State, NC State, Charlotte, Memphis, UTEP, Wichita State and Louisiana Lafayette. He started at point guard at Mississippi State (1981-84) and finished third all time in assists
Twin Brother, Joe Pierre III, is currently an assistant coach at Cal Baptist following stints at Furman (2025-26) and Liberty (2018-25)
Pierre and his wife, Erin, have one son, Shepperd, and a daughter, Hallie

Alex Accetta Bio

"Alex has an extensive background and proven success in this space at both the collegiate and professional levels," said executive deputy AD and men's basketball sport administrator Shane Lyons. "With her previous experience, she has a strong understanding of our program and what it takes to effectively operate at the highest competitive levels. She returns to Alabama basketball after four seasons with the NBA Dallas Mavericks, and we expect her professional franchise experience and insights to continue to advance all we do."

Comes to Tuscaloosa after spending time with the Dallas Mavericks working with guest experience and business operations (2022-23 through 2025-26 seasons)
During her time with the Mavericks, Accetta directed all VIP and executive hospitality operations, overseeing end-to-end logistics for team ownership, visiting ownership groups, league executives, corporate partners and high-profile guests to deliver a best-in-class game-day experience
Served as liaison between the Dallas Mavericks and the American Airlines Center (AAC), coordinating cross functional operations to ensure seamless execution of events, hospitality services and premium guest experiences
Prior to the Dallas Mavericks, Accetta served as the director of basketball operations for Alabama basketball
During her time at Alabama, the Crimson Tide captured the 2021 SEC regular season and tournament titles
Her primary responsibilities during her last stint in Tuscaloosa were overseeing team travel and logistics, coordinating on-campus recruiting visits, home and away game ticket requests for coaches, staff, visiting recruits and their families, and served as the point-of-contact in regards to home game needs for staff and special guests
From 2010-13, Accetta served as the director of operations for the Nancy Lieberman Charities, a program focused on improving outcomes for underserved youth in the areas of education, mental health & wellness, and career/life preparedness
In Accetta's role as director of program relations, she will be reporting to executive deputy AD/chief operating officer and men's basketball sport administrator Shane Lyons
Accetta is married to head coach Nate Oats

University of Alabama Athletics