Alabama basketball has finally reached the heights that fans like me always dreamed of, becoming a powerhouse on the hardwood under the leadership of head coach Nate Oats. Over the past six years, Oats has taken the program to new levels, transforming it into a national contender and shattering expectations along the way.
When I was a student at Alabama during the Mark Gottfried era, the team had its moments of success, but it never achieved the sustained greatness I envisioned. Football was always the focal point in Tuscaloosa, but after seeing other football-first schools like Florida and Ohio State thrive in basketball, I wondered why Alabama couldn’t do the same. Florida even won two National Championships while I was in school, further fueling my belief that Alabama could join the ranks of the elite basketball programs.
The key to building a true “basketball school” was always about finding the right coach. Gottfried had some good years but lacked the consistency needed to propel Alabama to the next level. After his departure, both Anthony Grant and Avery Johnson showed promise, but neither was able to deliver sustained success. I began to wonder if Alabama would ever find the coach to truly elevate the program.
Then came Nate Oats. In just six years, Oats has exceeded all expectations, guiding Alabama to three Sweet 16 appearances and the program’s first-ever Final Four. With the 2024-25 season underway, Alabama’s dominance has continued, highlighted by their impressive win over North Carolina. The Alabama basketball program is no longer just competitive—it’s now a national powerhouse with championship aspirations.
With the foundation now firmly in place, the next goal is clear: Alabama basketball is aiming to cut down the nets in April and establish itself as a perennial championship contender.
