No Final Four without Alabama Crimson Tide trio

Alabama Basketball needed Nick Pringle

Nate Oats and Alabama were caught off-guard when Charles Bediako decided to try a move to the NBA. At that point, there were no good big-body, transfer centers available. Nick Pringle came to Alabama after a season at Wofford and a season at Dodge City Community College. He arrived as a gifted athlete, needing to considerably improve his skills.

Last season Pringle played in 36 games, with no starts and a per-game average of just eight minutes. At the dunker spot in Nate Oats' offense, Pringle showed promise.

This season Pringle has played in 33 games with 15 starts. He doubled his scoring average to seven points per game. His free-throw shooting improved from 47.3% to 54.7%. Against Clemson, Pringle was 8-for-13 at the foul line while scoring 16 points. He added 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Alabama needed Pringle to beat Clemson. The often criticized young man delivered.

Nate Oats filled out the Crimson Tide's 2023-24 roster with talent, giving Alabama considerable depth. The trio of returners needed much help, but without Sears, Griffen, and Pringle there would be no Alabama Final Four.

Note: Players stats provided by Sports Reference