March Madness Shockwave: Avery Johnson Predicts Saint Mary’s Upset Over Alabama
In a bold and controversial take ahead of the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32, former Alabama head coach Avery Johnson has publicly picked No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s to knock off No. 4 seed Alabama, igniting a firestorm among Crimson Tide fans.
Johnson, who coached Alabama from 2015 to 2019, appeared on ESPN’s Bracket Breakdown, confidently stating, “Saint Mary’s is built for this. They slow the game down, they defend at an elite level, and they’ll expose Alabama’s weaknesses in the half-court.” His prediction instantly sparked heated debates across social media, with some praising his basketball insight and others accusing him of personal bias against his former team.
Saint Mary’s, a disciplined and defensive-minded squad under longtime coach Randy Bennett, thrives on methodical offensive execution and relentless defensive pressure. Their signature pack-line defense has frustrated high-scoring teams all season, and Johnson believes it could stifle Alabama’s high-tempo attack, led by first-team All-SEC guard Mark Sears.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats didn’t shy away from responding. In a press conference, he dismissed Johnson’s take with a smirk, saying, “We respect Saint Mary’s, but we’re not worried about outside noise. We’ll be ready.”
Still, Johnson’s comments struck a nerve with Alabama’s fanbase. Many pointed to his inconsistent tenure at the school, which ended unceremoniously in 2019, as proof that he lacks credibility. Others acknowledged his tactical breakdown, noting that Alabama has struggled against slower, physical teams—evidenced by their losses to similar defensive squads earlier in the season.
As the matchup looms, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Alabama’s high-octane offense prove too much, or will Saint Mary’s grind the Tide into submission? One thing is certain—if the Gaels pull off the upset, Johnson will look like a prophet. If they don’t, his critics will never let him hear the end of it.
