March Madness 2021: 4 teams who are elite on both offense and defense
By Matt Melton
Alabama Crimson Tide
You knew coming into this season that Alabama was one of the best offensive teams in college basketball, but what the Tide has done on the defensive end this season is special.
Alabama was regarded as one of the worst defenses in the SEC a year ago and has done a complete turnaround to have the 4th best defensive efficiency in the country according to KenPom. A big reason for this turnaround is due to new additions such as grad transfer Jordan Bruner and others combined with one of the best defensive players in college basketball in senior Herbert Jones.
Alabama was elite offensively a year ago but has become even better due to the improvement of current players, as well as the addition of others. Averaging 80.3 PPG, the Crimson Tide only take 3-pointers or layups, and when the Tide are making their shots, it’s tough to keep up with Alabama. The improved shooting of Herbert Jones, as well as the additions of Bruner, Joshua Primo, and others, have Alabama continuing its offensive success from a year ago.
Alabama is deep with talent and is capable of beating anyone if the shots are falling. If there is one team in March I wouldn’t want to face outside of the Top 2, it’s the Crimson Tide.