TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama left the O’Connell Center with a disappointing loss to Florida, but the trip to Gainesville, Fla., was still a joyous occasion for the Crimson Tide.

That’s because radio broadcaster Chris Stewart was back on the mic to call the road game.

“Man, it was great. It was great seeing him,” junior wing Herbert Jones said. “I went to see him in the hospital before, and it was just a blessing just to see him come to our game.”

Stewart’s last appearance was Alabama baseball’s season finale on May 18.

Mired by recent health problems, Stewart developed complications after heart-bypass surgery. Following an extended hospital stay, Stewart returned home before Thanksgiving and returned to the Crimson Tide Sports Network’s broadcast for Alabama’s SEC opener Saturday.

“We gave him a full 50 minutes,” head coach Nate Oats said. “He had to go overtime, and then again. I can’t listen to it -- I’m coaching the game -- but apparently, he did great. It’s great to see him. I remember seeing him in a hospital bed. He didn’t look great when we went to see him in the hospital when we were up at SEC Media Days. He told me it was his goal to get back for the first SEC game. He did it. So, I think we gave him something to push for. He made it.”

Incredibly grateful to EVERYONE who’s played a role in making today possible. I’m a very blessed man. #RollTide https://t.co/5CkExavbvH — Chris Stewart (@CStewartSports) January 4, 2020

Stewart’s next step is the Tide’s SEC home opener against Mississippi State on Wednesday, Jan. 8, where he is sure to be greeted with a warm welcome from the crowd inside of Coleman Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on the SEC Network, and Stewart and color analyst Bryan Passink will be on the airwaves for their pregame show one hour prior to the game.

A sight -- or rather a sound -- those associated with Alabama basketball are glad to have back.

“I was happy to see him,” said Oats after Tuesday’s practice at Coleman Coliseum. “Our guys were happy to see him. I think Alabama nation out there was happy to hear his voice.

“Hopefully, we can give him a 40-minute game instead of a 50-minute game.”

QUINERLY IMPRESSING ON SCOUT TEAM

Villanova transfer Jahvon Quinerly was not granted a waiver to be able to play this season, but that hasn’t stopped the former McDonald’s All-American from impressing on the court.

During the open portion of Tuesday’s practice in Tuscaloosa, the sophomore guard made plays and challenged his eligible teammates as he ran the point for Alabama’s scout team.

“There’s days where he’s the best player in practice,” Oats said of Quinerly. “Even when he’s not the best player in practice, he’s right up there every day. Gives you a great look. … He’s playing great. Bodes well for us next year. Disappointed he’s not out there with us this year. We’d have quite a few more wins, I think.

“But he’s going to be an integral part of this program for three years moving forward. I like where he’s at. He’s playing really hard and giving us a good look in practice.”

INJURY UPDATE ON REESE

Junior forward Alex Reese spent halftime of the Florida game throwing up and didn’t have much energy in the second half or the two overtimes of the 104-98 loss to the Gators. The good news, according to Oats, is Reese’s latest health issue appears to be a “one-day deal,” as the Pelham, Ala., native was able to participate in some things during Tuesday’s practice.

“We can’t catch a break,” Oats said. “Beetle (Bolden) had a one-day deal where he had to get IVs before our last home game. Reese had a one-day deal. He came back in, got treatment and felt a lot better on Sunday. We’ve fought through some adversity, and hopefully, it’s making us a lot tougher.

“We’ve still got a lot of the season left. Shoot, we’re only one game into an 18-game season, so hopefully, all the adversity we’ve faced with the injuries, with the sickness or whatever is making us a lot stronger and we’ll play a lot better for it.”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).