Alabama Basketball has everything it needs
With the announcements that Mark Sears and Jarin Stevenson are returning to Tuscaloosa, there will be no discernible weaknesses in Alabama Basketball’s 2024-25 roster. In fact, based on preseason expectation, this will be the most talented roster in program history. The combination of offensive combustibility, defensive potential, athleticism, depth, and experience will make Bama one of the best teams in college basketball next season.
What do realistic expectations look like for Alabama Basketball?
A massive portion of the Crimson Tide fan base, and even a significant sector of the national media, believe that Alabama should be the preseason no. 1 team in the country with the roster now finalized. While the Tide will be a title favorite, “championship or bust” expectations aren’t very wise in the world of college basketball. The NCAA Tournament can be so random that March Madness runs should be always appreciated but rarely expected.
In my opinion, realistic expectations for the current Alabama Basketball team would rival the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. Coach Nate Oats’ best teams to date, both squads won the SEC regular season and tournament championships. Though the SEC will be tough as always, and the rosters of other contenders aren't yet finalized, I think Alabama's 2024-25 team should be at the top of the league or close to it.
From a national perspective, this Bama Hoops team should be a lot closer to the 2022-23 iteration. That is to say, it should be a constant fixture in the top-10 (or even top-5) throughout the regular season, eventually landing a top-3 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
This team has every tool in the toolbox, as well as quality depth at every position across the board. Coach Oats will do his best to manage the most talented roster he’s ever had. Unlike his other Bama teams, this one will enter the season with championship expectations and the pressure that comes along with that. It will be wildly entertaining to watch Oats and company navigate a very difficult schedule while carrying these expectations.