Alabama Basketball: Freshmen falter on the big stage

The four-man freshmen class for Alabama Basketball was fantastic all season, and was the best collective of rookies in college hoops. There were several moments, and even stretches of the season, in which the freshmen class carried the team.

Unfortunately, the group did not show up in the Sweet 16 against San Diego State.

Wing Brandon Miller was Alabama’s best player this season. He was easily the best freshman in the country. For my money, he was the best player in the country, regardless of class or position. He is one of the most recognizable players in college basketball due to his play on the court and a major controversy off the court.

Miller played his worst stretch of basketball in the NCAA Tournament, shooting 8-41 from the field and 3-19 from the three-point line in the tourney. He averaged 9.3 points and committed 10 turnovers in the three-game run.

Because he struggled so mightily, and because he is the face of the team, Brandon Miller will take the brunt of the criticism for Bama’s early exit. However, none of the Alabama Basketball freshmen were ready to play in Louisville.

Forward Noah Clowney, who is a borderline first-round draft pick in his own right, went 1-6 from the field before fouling out. Bama’s freshmen guards, who appeared to hit a wall late in the season, couldn’t generate anything either.

Rylan Griffen has been a dangerous marksmen at times this year, but shot just 1-7 for the game. Jaden Bradley started 22 games in the Alabama backcourt, but played just five minutes against SDSU.

For the game, the quartet of freshmen for Alabama Basketball scored just 17 points. They combined to shoot 5-33 from the field and 2-18 from the three-point line. This was a bitter ending for a freshmen class that, at one point, could be compared to some of the all-time freshmen classes in college hoops history.

Alabama Basketball: What’s next for freshmen class?

Brandon Miller is all but gone. Tide fans should remember him fondly; despite his forgettable tournament showing, he has done more for the Alabama basketball program than anyone could’ve reasonably expected. He’s going to make a lot of money playing this game, as he should.

Noah Clowney is likely gone too. However, his decision is highly intriguing. Clowney has plenty to work on, and could be enticed to return for his sophomore year. If he does, he could make himself into a bona fide lottery pick, and could help lead a Bama team that should contend for the SEC once again in 2023-24.

Jaden Bradley and Rylan Griffen are expected to be back in the fold next year. Along with Nimari Burnett and Mark Sears, they will make up one of the nation’s better guard groups. Jahvon Quinerly’s decision will determine the backcourt’s ceiling.

Postseason play in college basketball is brutally intense. The NCAA Tournament is not easy for anybody, much less for freshmen. Despite bowing out in the Sweet 16, this group overachieved this season. They will only be better for the experiences they had this year.