The expectations for Alabama basketball have skyrocketed under Nate Oats, but the reality is that three straight Sweet 16 appearances are nothing to sneeze at. This is the second time in program history that this has happened, and what was once a long shot dream for die-hard Alabama basketball fans has become a reality.
There was a time when making the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament seemed more like a fluke than a place where the Alabama Crimson Tide should be. Sometimes as a fan you have to appreciate what this program has become. Sure, if this team doesn't make a second straight Final Four appearance it will be disappointing, and some may consider it an underachieving season, however never before now have Alabama basketball fans been able to feel this way.
It's such a different feeling going into March Madness expecting wins. There is a certain confidence that has been there since Nate Oats arrived in Tuscaloosa, and that has spread to the players and fans alike. There is now a sense that the Crimson Tide can compete with and beat anyone in the country.
Nate Oats has made it cool for top high school recruits and top players in the transfer portal to consider coming to Tuscaloosa. The success transfer players like Mark Sears and Grant Nelson have experienced in Crimson will continue to excite those looking for a new home. We now see players like Cliff Omoruyi picking Alabama over the likes of North Carolina.
It took the right people being in place at the University of Alabama to make it so basketball was no longer put on the back burner. Of course, football will always be king in Tuscaloosa, but there has never been a reason to accept mediocrity on the hardwood. The expectations were high with the decision makers and things have worked out well from the top down with where the basketball program is now.
It is very similar to the SEC in general putting a big effort into making basketball a priority of the conference. It has worked out well for the Crimson Tide and the conference in general, as we see by the Crimson Tide and six other teams being part of the Sweet 16 field. Everything is still right there for the taking this year, and most importantly, the recent success that has been found isn't going anywhere anytime soon for the team in Crimson.