8. Alabama (3-1)
There’s something of a major disparity between certain teams at this point in the season. Some programs are staying at home and having easy starts to the season, whereas Alabama has been greatly challenged already. The Crimson Tide have had massive ballgames in each of the first three weeks of the season, winning at St. John’s and then losing at home to Purdue.
Fortunately, Alabama was back in the win column in this week’s big event, heading to Chicago and getting a 90-86 win over a Top 10 Illinois team back on Wednesday night. Labaron Philon Jr. was impressive all night with 24 points and 5 assists while Amari Allen neared a double-double off the bench. Alabama made enough shots and plays late to take care of the Illini.
Questions may remain about where this Alabama team can go this season but there’s no question that Nate Oats challenges his team. The Crimson Tide now possess two extremely impressive wins away from home that should only age well as the season continues, and they’re far from done with the big time battles. This team heads to the Players Era Festival and has a fourth-straight ranked team waiting for them in Gonzaga on Monday night; can they make another statement?