The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team is gearing up for a significant season, aiming for its first national championship. After reaching the Elite Eight in both of the past two seasons, Alabama is determined to enhance its defensive capabilities, according to head coach Nate Oats.
Alabama’s recent history showcases a growing competitiveness. The team made the Final Four in the 2023-24 season and has consistently ranked among the top teams in offensive efficiency, sitting in the top four in the last two years, as per data from KenPom. Despite this offensive prowess, Oats emphasizes the need for defensive improvement, stating, “I think it’s defense. Defensively we’ve got to get better. We’ve known it. We’ve tried to focus on it. We’re on it now.”
The statistics tell a contrasting story. In the 2023-24 season, Alabama ranked 111th in defensive efficiency, while in the subsequent season, it improved to 28th. While this marks progress, Oats believes that to truly contend for a championship, the team must break into the top ten or even the top five nationally in defensive statistics. “If we could get our defense back in the top 10, top five in the country, I think that’s the answer,” Oats mentioned.
Oats has placed trust in assistant coach Brian Adams, who is now in his second year with the program and will serve as the defensive coordinator. With a background in the NBA, Adams brings valuable experience to the collegiate level. Oats noted, “He’s done a great job. He’s got a year in college now… I think he’s much more aware as to how a lot of college offenses aren’t what the NBA is running.”
As the season approaches, Alabama will participate in its first exhibition game against Florida State on October 16, 2024, at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham. A second exhibition match against Furman will follow on October 26. These games will serve as critical opportunities to assess the team’s defensive growth over the offseason.
The regular season will commence on November 3, 2024, when Alabama hosts North Dakota at Coleman Coliseum. Guard Houston Mallette expressed confidence in the defensive improvements, stating, “I definitely think the defense will be better this season, 100%. In film, we’ve had a much more focused approach on it and adamant approach. We pride ourselves on defense.”
With a renewed focus on defense and a strong offensive track record, Alabama is poised to make a serious run at a national title. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team’s efforts translate into success on the court.
