Alabama Basketball: An Historical Perspective
The Alabama basketball team has existed since 1906, but success eluded them for most of those years. Throughout the 1900s, the Crimson Tide remained overshadowed by the legendary Alabama football team. However, the program began to rise in prominence after the appointment of head coach Mark Gottfried in 1998. Successors Anthony Grant, Avery Johnson, and current coach Nate Oats have continued this upward trajectory, breathing new life into Alabama basketball.
The Early Days
Alabama basketball made its debut in 1908, although documentation from those early years is sparse. For decades, the team struggled to make a mark, even regionally, let alone on the national stage. The University of Alabama football team from 1937 to 1968, with Hank Crisp and Hayden Riley as coaches, won some regular season games but did not compete in the postseason. It wasn’t until 1968, when C.M. Newton took the helm as coach, that the foundation for future successes was laid.
The C.M. Newton Era
C.M. Newton served as the head coach of the Tide from 1968 to 1980, achieving a record of 211-123. Under his leadership, Alabama reached its first three NCAA tournaments in 1974, 1975, and 1976. The 1974 team, anchored by Tide legend Leon Douglas, claimed the SEC tournament championship. Even after becoming the athletic director in 1980, Newton’s influence continued to shape the program’s growth.
The Wimp Sanderson Years
Newton was succeeded by Wimp Sanderson in 1980, who led Alabama basketball into a golden era. Known for his tenacious defensive teams featuring players like Derrick McKey, Jim Farmer, and Robert Horry, Sanderson guided the Tide to eight consecutive NCAA tournaments from 1982 to 1990. During this period, Alabama reached three Sweet 16s, one Elite Eight, and nearly made the Final Four in 1985, falling short to Villanova in the regional final. Sanderson concluded his tenure in 1992 with an overall record of 267-119.
Between Coaches
After Sanderson’s departure, Alabama basketball experienced periods of inconsistency. Coaches David Hobbs and Mark Gottfried occasionally recaptured some of the program’s former glory, with Gottfried’s team winning the SEC tournament in 2004. However, after Gottfried’s dismissal in 2009, the Tide faced difficult years under Anthony Grant and Avery Johnson. From 2013 to 2018, Alabama failed to make the NCAA tournament and only participated in the NIT once. The program’s resurgence began with the hiring of Nate Oats from Buffalo in 2019.
The Nate Oats Era and the Future
Nate Oats brought renewed energy to Alabama basketball, securing an excellent recruiting class in 2020, including 5-star shooting guard Josh Primo and 4-stars Juwan Gary and Keon Ambrose-Hylton. This talented group led Alabama to a 16-2 record and a No. 5 finish in the 2020-21 season. Primo became an NBA lottery pick, and Alabama appeared to be on the right path.
Although the Tide’s 2020-21 season ended in heartbreak with a Sweet 16 loss to UCLA, the team bounced back stronger for the 2021-22 season. Led by senior guard Jahvon Quinerly and 5-star signee JD Davison, Alabama spent much of the season in the top 10 and recorded significant wins during the SEC regular season. Despite falling short in March Madness, the future looks promising for the Crimson Tide.
The Tide continues to recruit top talent, including 5-star prospects Brandon Miller and Jaden Bradley for 2022. With plans for a new basketball performance center, Alabama is poised for continued success, with annual SEC title contention and deep March runs on the horizon.
Commonly Asked Questions About Alabama Basketball
Here are answers to some common questions about the rich history and future outlook for the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program:
Who is the head coach of Alabama basketball?
Nate Oats has been the head coach of the Crimson Tide since 2019. He has a 77–39 record at Alabama and has led the team to NCAA tournaments and NIT appearances.
How many times has Alabama basketball won the SEC regular season title?
The Tide has clinched seven SEC regular season championships, including 1934, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1987, 2002, and 2021. The 2021 championship was the first since 1987.
Who are some NBA players that have come out of the Alabama basketball program?
Notable NBA players from Alabama include Robert Horry, Latrell Sprewell, Antonio McDyess, Gerald Wallace, Mo Williams, and Collin Sexton. Recent NBA draftees include Kira Lewis Jr., Josh Primo, and Herbert Jones.
What is the record of the Alabama basketball team in the NCAA tournament?
As of 2022, Alabama basketball has participated in the NCAA tournament 21 times under coaches C.M. Newton, Wimp Sanderson, David Hobbs, Mark Gottfried, and Nate Oats.
Who won the Most Outstanding Player of the 2022 SEC Tournament among Alabama players?
Keon Ellis, a senior forward, was named the SEC Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for his performance in leading Alabama to three consecutive wins and the championship in Tampa.
What are the prospects for Alabama basketball for the 2022/2023 season?
With key players returning, top recruits, and high expectations, Alabama is likely to start the season ranked in the top 15. The team is positioned as a preseason SEC favorite and potential national championship contender, with another deep March run within reach.
Conclusion
Alabama basketball has a storied tradition, with a resurgence over the past fifteen years. With Nate Oats at the helm and a pipeline of top prospects, the Crimson Tide is poised for consistent excellence and could achieve its first Final Four and national championship in the near future. The exciting times are back in Tuscaloosa for one of college basketball’s rising powerhouses.
