The 2024–25 Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team, under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Nate Oats, is currently ranked #3 and holds a 19–3 overall record and an 8–1 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Bama’s high-octane offense leads the nation with an average of 90.2 points per game, while maintaining a scoring margin of +11.9. Key contributors include Mark Sears, who was named to the preseason AP All-America team, and Grant Nelson, who recently delivered a standout performance with 25 points and 11 rebounds against Kentucky.
When comparing this year’s squad to the top Alabama teams of the past four decades, several standout seasons come to mind. For the purposes of this article, we selected Wimp Sanderson’s 1986-87 and 1990-91 teams, Mark Gottfried’s 2003-04 team, and Nate Oats’ 2020-21 and 2023-24 teams.
Going back a few more years could bring in Sanderson’s 1982 team, the famous 1956 “Rocket Eight” team, and CM Newton’s 1976 team (which was considered by many as the greatest Alabama team of all time prior to the 2023-24 season). Regardless, here’s our high-level analysis and comparison of this year’s team vs the five best since 1986.
1986–87
Coached by Wimp Sanderson, the Crimson Tide reached the Sweet Sixteen, showcasing a strong defense and disciplined play. This Sanderson squad was known for its tenacious defense and efficient offense. They stormed through the SEC and made a strong run to the Sweet Sixteen.
Key Highlights:
- Sweet Sixteen appearance.
- One of Alabama’s best defensive teams of all time.
- Led by Derrick McKey, a future NBA player who dominated in the paint.
Compared to the 2024-25 Alabama team, this group played a much slower tempo, prioritizing half-court execution and defense over transition scoring. However, their ability to control games and win tough matchups remains an inspiration for modern Alabama squads.
1990–91 (Sweet Sixteen)
Another impressive run under Sanderson, Alabama again advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, solidifying their status as a formidable program in the early ’90s. This was one of Wimp Sanderson’s best teams, featuring an elite frontcourt duo in Robert Horry and Latrell Sprewell. Alabama was a powerhouse in the SEC and made another deep NCAA Tournament run before losing to #1 seed Arkansas.
Key Highlights:
- Sweet Sixteen appearance.
- Dominant inside play with future NBA stars.
- One of the best defenses in Alabama history.
- Record: 23-10, 12-6 SEC
Unlike today’s offense-first Alabama teams, this squad relied heavily on rebounding, post play, and defense. Their style of play was tough and physical, making them a contrast to Nate Oats’ fast-paced, three-point-heavy approach.
2003–04 Season (Elite Eight)
Under coach Mark Gottfried, Alabama made its first Elite Eight appearance. Gottfried led Alabama in one of the most surprising March Madness runs in school history. Entering the tournament as an 8-seed, the Tide shocked the nation with victories over No. 1-seed Stanford and defending national champion Syracuse before falling to eventual title-winner Connecticut in the Elite Eight.
Key Highlights:
- First Elite Eight appearance in program history.
- Wins over multiple top-ranked teams, proving Bama’s ability to compete at the highest level.
- Standout performances from Kennedy Winston and Earnest Shelton, who led the team in scoring.
- Record: 20-13, 8-8 SEC
This team’s success came largely from its defense and ability to grind out tough wins. Compared to the 2024-25 squad, which thrives on an up-tempo offense, the 2003-04 team was more methodical in its approach.
2020–21 Season (Sweet Sixteen, SEC Champions)
Nate Oats’ second year in Tuscaloosa saw Alabama return to national prominence. The Tide dominated the SEC, winning both the regular-season and tournament championships, before losing to UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament.
Key Highlights:
- Sweet Sixteen appearance.
- SEC Regular-Season and Tournament Champions.
- A modern three-point-heavy offense that emphasized spacing and speed.
- Led by Herbert Jones, who won SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
- Record: 26-7, 16-2 SEC
This team laid the foundation for Alabama’s current style of play. With their fast-paced offense and elite shooting, they resemble this year’s squad in many ways.
2023–24 Season (Final Four)
The Crimson Tide reached the Final Four for the first time, with significant contributions from players like Brandon Miller and Charles Bediako. The most successful season in Alabama basketball history, the 2023–24 Crimson Tide made an unprecedented run to the Final Four under Nate Oats. The team was led by Brandon Miller, a freshman phenom who earned SEC Player of the Year honors, and Jahvon Quinerly, a steady veteran presence at point guard.
Key Highlights:
- First-ever Final Four appearance in program history.
- SEC Regular-Season Champions.
- Balanced offensive attack with elite three-point shooting.
- Tough tournament wins, including a gritty Elite Eight victory over a powerhouse opponent before losing to eventual champion and#1 seed, UConn, in the Final four.
- Record: 25-12, 13-5 SEC
This season cemented Alabama’s place among college basketball’s elite programs. The 2024-25 team appears to be building on this momentum, and with a high-powered offense, it has the potential to go even further. A high-profile – and highly anticipated – game against top ranked Auburn is being played next week.
Comparative Conclusion
Comparing the current team to these historic squads, the 2024–25 Crimson Tide exhibits a blend of high-scoring offense reminiscent of the 2020–21 team and the deep tournament run akin to the 2023–24 Final Four appearance. Bama’s current national ranking (#3) and dominant performances against many top teams this season, positions them as one of the premier teams in Alabama’s basketball history.