Alabama Basketball: What it will take to escape those ‘Bubble-Blues’ again

Ten days ago Alabama basketball was on path for a NCAA bid. Three straight losses now severely imperil that opportunity, What it will take now.

Not too many days ago we considered the NCAA chances for Alabama basketball. Stealing a Bob Dylan theme we lamented on Feb. 11 Alabama basketball fans could soon be Stuck in Tuscaloosa with those Bubble-Blues again.

What followed has been three Crimson Tide roundball games and three frustrating losses. Our thoughts on Feb. 11 do not qualify as prescient prophecy. Any review of the Avery Johnson era of Alabama basketball clearly shows teams that struggle to finish seasons.

For those Crimson Tide fans who have blocked out the recent memories, a quick review.

2016 Season

A five-game winning streak took the Tide to 16-9 in mid-February. The Crimson Tide finished the season going 2-6, including a double-digit loss to Creighton in the NIT. Final season record – 18-15.

2017 Season

At the end of January, the Tide was 13-7. It finished 19-15, losing eight of its final 14 games.

2018 Season

On Feb. 13, Alabama basketball beat LSU to reach 17-9. Then the Crimson Tide lost five straight games. Limping into the SEC Tournament, the team sparked behind Collin Sexton to knock off TAMU and Auburn. The return to the NCAA field for the first time since 2012 and only the second time since 2006, felt almost magical.

The season was viewed as a success and rightfully so. Still, the closing record for the Crimson Tide in 2018 was 3-7, to finish at 20-16.

Alabama basketball fans have been concerned about the pattern shown in Avery’s first three seasons. We dared to believe the team had progressed beyond another late season swoon.

What now?

For those Alabama basketball fans who still choose hope, we salute you. Teams need brave souls like you who hang through adversity. We sincerely hope your steadfast allegiance is rewarded.

A more dispassionate take is the Crimson Tide has only slim hopes of another NCAA bid. The main reason why is because it is not playing well. The last three games show a team not deserving of a bid.

With five remaining regular season games, can it be turned around? It is not probable but it is possible. Beating Vandy in Tuscaloosa is the necessary first step. After that, the Tide must win at least two more and they can’t be South Carolina and Arkansas. A win against either Auburn or LSU is required. Then at least one SEC Tourney win and to be safe two wins. That scenario would have the Tide sitting at 19-14 or 20-14 on Selection Sunday.

A 19-14 record would have the Crimson Tide going 6-7 in February and March. Sound familiar?