As difficult as losses can be for fans, it's important to remember that it's so much tougher for the players on the team.
You could see it in the eyes of the Alabama players leaving the court on Friday night in the aftermath of the 90-77 loss to Michigan that ended the Crimson Tide's season. Tears were in the eyes of many on the way to the locker room, and that emotion hadn't subsided by the time interviews in the locker room were taking place.
Freshman Amari Allen was particularly emotional, knowing his Alabama career could in fact already be over. Allen stated his desire to return to the Crimson Tide next season...unless his agent advises him he should enter the NBA Draft.
He's been projected as a late first-round pick for a while, but he hit the freshman wall down the stretch and was not nearly as effective in the last few games of the regular season and the SEC and NCAA Tournaments.
He still brought effort and gave everything he had, but the freshman wall is a real thing that has impacted many before him and will impact many after him.
Allen took the loss hard, and he took to social media after the game to apologize to Alabama fans for his own performance:
This just made me drop to my knees pic.twitter.com/wkoURAacW6
— Will Reichard Enthusiast (@dtynes16) March 28, 2026
Amari Allen doesn't owe Alabama an apology at all
Allen shot 1-of-6 from the field for just four points to go along with six rebounds and three assists. He's had many better games throughout his freshman season in Tuscaloosa than he did in the Sweet 16, but bad games are going to happen. Lord knows he wasn't the only Alabama player who struggled against a Michigan team that might be the best team in the country this season.
And one thing with Allen has never been in question: he brought max effort from the moment he stepped on campus and started practice with the team last summer. He carved out an immediate role as a freshman despite not many expecting it based on his recruiting ranking.
Allen was third on the team in both scoring and assists, and led the team in rebounding. He was also one of the best defenders on the team.
He had a great season, and Alabama wouldn't have made it to the Sweet 16 this year without him.
He should hold his head high, and regardless of whether he chooses to enter the NBA Draft or return for his sophomore season, Allen will be remembered fondly in Tuscaloosa for years to come.