5. Alabama (2-seed)
Nate Oats and this Alabama team marched to the Final Four last season before UConn sent them packing en route to a national title. The Crimson Tide returned more than half the scoring from that team, most notably getting Mark Sears and Grant Nelson back for additional seasons. The result has been another prolific season in the SEC and Oats’ fourth trip to the Sweet Sixteen in six years in Tuscaloosa.
A strong and challenging nonconference schedule prepared the Crimson Tide for the onslaught of SEC play, arming them with wins over Houston, Creighton, Illinois, and North Carolina. Alabama was 13-5 and a few games back in SEC play, but secured several important wins along the way before falling in the semifinals of the league tournament. Labaron Philon has been outstanding as a freshman for the Crimson Tide who boast perhaps the nation’s finest offensive attack.
That’s been on full display in recent weeks and again during the NCAA Tournament, with 90 points against 15-seed Robert Morris in a closer than expected opening round win. They survived a contrasting style with 7-seed Saint Mary’s on Sunday, winning by double-digits despite scoring just 80 points. The defense actually played a major role in their win over the Gaels, though this team clearly leans more on outscoring and outrunning their opposition.
The Crimson Tide average 91 points a game, leading the nation in scoring and total rebounding as a team. They’re getting great work from the three stars we’ve mentioned and other pieces down the rotation, including Auburn transfer Aden Holloway. The Crimson Tide survived a murderous stretch to finish the regular season and keep leaning on that offense. They are battle tested and won’t be afraid of anything and have great potential to get to a second straight Final Four.