Jumbo Package: Does Alabama Basketball Have Another Deep NCAA Run in Them?
Alabama basketball is at a crossroads. After last season’s Elite Eight run, Nate Oats has reloaded with a mix of high-scoring transfers and elite freshmen. But can the Crimson Tide push even further in the 2025 NCAA Tournament? The answer depends on two things: defense and consistency.
Oats’ system thrives on pace and perimeter shooting, but when the shots aren’t falling, the Tide can be vulnerable. Last year’s squad ranked near the bottom in defensive efficiency among top teams, and it cost them against UConn. If Alabama wants to break through to the Final Four, they need more stops, not just more points.
The pieces are there. Mark Sears returns as a veteran leader, flanked by a five-star freshman class that includes a dominant rim protector. The transfer portal brought in battle-tested talent, adding depth to a roster that already knows how to win in March.
Still, questions linger. Can this team grind out wins when the three-ball isn’t falling? Will Oats adjust his strategy against elite defensive teams? And perhaps most importantly—does Alabama have the mental toughness to handle the pressure of expectations?
History suggests the Tide can make another deep run, but nothing is guaranteed. If they’ve learned from past mistakes and tightened up their defense, a Final Four is within reach. If not, another March heartbreak looms. The answer lies in how they respond when the season is on the line.
