The 2023-34 Alabama Crimson Tide basketball season concluded with too much UConn. The Huskies forced a half-court game, making it difficult for Alabama to hit open threes. The Tide attempted 23 three-pointers, making 11 for a good 47.8%. Alabama was less effective inside the arc, converting only 42.8% of its two-point tries.
The 86-72 final score is misleading. UConn is unquestionably the better team, but Nate Oats’ team earned national respect for how it played against the Huskies. Even Charles Barkley praised Alabama, saying, “Nate Oats and his kids made the University of Alabama proud.” Charles also greeted Mark Sears with respect as the Crimson Tide leader moved off the court.
Alabama Crimson Tide’s Final Four Post-Game Comments
“We aren’t finished. We want to come back and win this entire thing. That is what our goal will be. We’re aiming to return here. We’re hoping to return here and win the last game. We just have to keep hammering on the door.”– Nathan Oats
“Our defense was not where it needed to be this season. That is something we will have to address next year. It was effective for approximately four games [in the NCAA tournament]. It was good at times tonight, but not enough to win a 40-minute game against one of the top teams in the nation.”
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"This is a historic team… we've set the bar. We can make a Final Four. Next step is try to win the whole thing." – Nate Oats with our @TracyWolfson pic.twitter.com/J1FFpYXpu5
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 7, 2024
Nate Oats and his team are already looking ahead to the following year. Oats has shown that he can revamp practically an entire roster in one offseason. Hopefully, it won’t need to do that this offseason. Aaron Estrada is the only current player who is out of eligibility. The notion that Mark Sears and Grant Nelson were in their final collegiate seasons may no longer be valid. With outstanding individual seasons and the team reaching the Final Four, the Tide pair may decide to stay in Tuscaloosa for another season.
There will be roster attrition. Hopefully, the departing players respond promptly and don’t surprise Nate Oats like Charles Bediako did last season. Nate Oats has already received one transfer. Houston Mallette, a 6’5″ shooting guard, is moving from Pepperdine to Tuscaloosa.
Already signed, the incoming freshmen for the 2024-25 season are 5-star, SF. Derrion Reid, Aiden Sherril, a 6-foot-11-inch center, and Naas Cunningham, a four-star forward.
In Alabama’s loss to UConn, Mark Sears led the team with 25 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Grant Nelson led the contest with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
