Too much Michigan and not enough Alabama was the story on Friday night. Nate Oats had the Crimson Tide ready to play. In the first half, Labaron Phiolon was so sensational that there was reason for Alabama to hope for more of the same in the second half.
It wasn't to be. Michigan was too good for Alabama. More specifically, the Wolverines were too physically strong for Nate Oats' team.
Only three college basketball programs have made the Sweet 16 in the last four seasons. Alabama is joined by the Tennessee Vols and the Houston Cougars. A Sweet 16 floor is no small accomplishment for the Crimson Tide, but it is not enough for Nate Oats. For Oats and because of him, for Alabama basketball fans, a Crimson Tide ceiling of one Final Four in four years is also not enough.
The Alabama Crimson Tide does not need a better head coach, though it might need some better defensive minds on the staff. The changes Alabama must make are more dramatic. The Crimson Tide needs better big men. Taylor Bol Bowen's injury problems held him back this season. Still, the main reason Alabama did not have enough inside help for Aiden Sherrell is that Noah Williamson and Keitenn Bristow were transfer busts. Alabama was also unlucky with Collins Onyejiaka's health problem discovered late and ruled him out for the season.
The Crimson Tide must also replace Labaron Philon, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., and possibly Aden Holloway. Amari Allen should return, but since the NBA often drafts on potential, he may exit as well.
The bottom line is Nate Oats has lots of roster holes. Top players enjoy Alabama's style of play, allowing Oats to get a discount. The discounts are great, but they do not equalize the big spenders. Multiple reports indicate that Alabama was in the bottom half of SEC teams in 2025-26 player payroll. Being at the top did not do much for Kentucky, but Oats needs a larger player budget.
After Friday night's Sweet 16 loss, Nate Oats said, "We know we gotta change ... We knew we were undersized. We were light in some of the spots … particularly the 4 spot." For Alabama and Oats, the question is not 'what' to do, but rather, if the necessary changes can be adequately funded.
Alabama signed a strong recruiting class. More help is needed. The coming transfer cycle must produce more than the previous cycle. Otherwise, Alabama's ceiling will not go up, and the floor might fall.