6. Alabama (3-1)
After last year’s trip to the Final Four, it became clear that Nate Oats was doing something special. He’s been a lightning rod for success in Tuscaloosa, turning a football school towards national relevance in basketball. This year, expectations were just as high with Mark Sears and a flurry of other talent back, with their eyes on an SEC title and perhaps even more in 2025.
After a blowout on opening night, the performances haven’t been as impressive out of the Crimson Tide, including a 72-64 win over McNeese State. Grant Nelson had 22 points and 8 rebounds, and Alabama handled their business against a strong mid-major program, though Friday was more of the issue. Facing a hostile road environment, Alabama suffered their first loss of the season, falling 87-78 at Purdue. The leading scorer was actually Labaron Philon, with his 18 points off the bench, while Sears added 15 points and 6 assists.
The Crimson Tide have been very far from perfect two weeks into the season, but they don’t shy away from opportunities like this. Even with new pieces in this lineup and plenty of questions to be answered, Oats puts together a murderer’s row of opponents, properly preparing them for SEC play in a few months. They’ll be welcoming a strong Illinois squad to Birmingham next week, hoping for a brilliant bounce-back performance against another Big Ten foe.