Field of 68 totally disrespects Nate Oats and Alabama basketball with tier ranking

Alabama basketball has played one of the most difficult schedules in college basketball thus far, but has still gotten off to an impressive 7-2 start that includes a pair of marquee victories away from home against St. John's and Illinois. A week ago, Alabama took down a quality Clemson team at home, too.

The two losses have come against teams ranked inside of KenPom's top six: Gonzaga (No. 3) and Purdue (No. 6).

Nate Oats has yet to have his full arsenal available this season, either. Aden Holloway has missed three games, Latrell Wrightsell four, and Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea missed the first seven before making his debut last week against Clemson. Tarleton State transfer Keitenn Bristow has also only played three games so far due to an ankle injury.

Oats is hopeful that the Crimson Tide will be close to full strength for Saturday's showdown in Birmingham against Arizona. A win over the Wildcats might change national perception enough to count Alabama among the legitimate contenders for the National Championship.

Because as of now, the Field of 68 isn't quite buying it. They listed Alabama in the third tier of their list of title contenders, simply titled "The Rest of the Top 12."

That's disrespectful for a team off to a strong start to the season and one that has been arguably the most consistent program in college basketball over the last three years. Alabama is the only team in the country that has made the Sweet 16 or better in each of the last three NCAA Tournaments. It is also the only team in the country to make the Elite Eight or better in back-to-back tournaments.

Alabama out to prove it is a legitimate title contender

Led by Labaron Philon, Alabama has been able to overcome a lot of early roster attrition. This team's ceiling might be as high as any Oats has had in Tuscaloosa when they can pair Philon with Holloway, Bethea, and Wrightsell in the backcourt.

Oats hit a gem in the recruiting process with freshman Amari Allen, and fellow freshman London Jemison has been coming along the last couple of weeks, with the Tide's injuries forcing him into a bigger role than expected early.

Aiden Sherrell's emergence as a shot blocker has proved pivotal and gives Oats the defensive anchor he wasn't sure this team had.

Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen has provided quality minutes as the team's starting four, and he and Bristow are able to play up to the five spot and compensate for the swing-and-miss Oats took with reigning Patriot League Player of the Year Noah Williamson.

This team looks the part of a true contender, whether the Field of 68 is ready to admit it yet or not. They'll have a chance to prove it to them, and everyone else, against Arizona this weekend.