Alabama Basketball has reached new heights under head coach Nate Oats, earnings high praise from NBA legend Charles Barkley on The Next Round podcast.
Barkley, a former Auburn Star, highlighted the Crimson Tide's remarkable journey to the Final Four in 2024, a first in program history.
"I never thought Alabama would make it to the Final Four," Barkley stated, reflecting on the program's basketball resurgence.
This milestone has solidified the Crimson Tide as a powerhouse in college hoops, captivating fans and analysts alike.
Under Oats' leadership, the Crimson Tide have made the NCAA Tournament for five consecutive seasons, with the 2024 Final Four appearance marking a pinnacle achievement.
The team's success continued into 2025, reaching the Elite Eight before falling to a juggernaut in the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils by a score of 85-65.
The school's back-to-back deep tournament runs, including two straight Elite Eight Appearances, have elevated the program's national profile. They are just one of two schools to reach the Elite Eight in both 2024 and 2025, joining Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils.
Oats, who signed a contract extension through 2027, has transformed the Crimson Tide into a consistent contender, amassing 11 NCAA Tournament. Oats' 11 tournament victories are the most in school history and just the start for the gritty, methodical coach.
As Alabama basketball continues to break barriers, fans are eager to see if oats can lead the team to a national championship in the coming years, further cementing the program's legacy.
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 2:13 PM.