Alabama Basketball is no stranger to battling adversity

Alabama basketball has battled adversity all season, and has always come out the other side as a better team. Nate Oats’ 2022-23 squad has been relentless, withstanding injuries as well as the investigation of a January murder involving former player Darius Miles.

Alabama Basketball was led through that trying time by its seasoned veteran leaders, namely, Jahvon Quinerly and Noah Gurley. Quinerly and Gurley come off the bench for the Crimson Tide, but their wisdom and guidance have been invaluable.

The team’s youngsters, which include a quartet of freshmen that account for a disproportionate amount of Bama’s statistical production, will need that leadership even more going forward.

The Miles situation has returned to the forefront with the preliminary court hearing now underway. To further complicate matters, current Alabama standout Brandon Miller has been dragged into the conversation by sensationalist media outlets.

To be clear, it’s perfectly fair to question Coach Nate Oats’ shaky handling of the situation. It is also fair to think that Miller should have served a brief suspension after news of the incident initially broke for his indirect connection to the crime.

However, the insistence that Miller should be dismissed, expelled, imprisoned, or worse is not logical. This level of punishment is not consistent with the actions of the freshman, who has long been cleared of any wrongdoing from a legal standpoint.

Brandon Miller’s innocence will not protect him from the harassment he will face at the hands of media and opposing fan bases. His name will likely be dragged through the mud, regardless of what the evidence says, for as long as he wears an Alabama Basketball uniform.

Alabama appeared to be at least partially affected by the noise in its grueling 78-76 overtime win over South Carolina on Wednesday night.

The only player that appeared to be fully locked in? Brandon Miller himself.

Miller is an incredibly fierce competitor that will only be fueled by the vitriol from opposing student sections. However, he can’t carry Alabama to the Final Four by himself. This team is going to have to continue persevering through hardship.

It’s a good thing Alabama basketball is no stranger to battling adversity.