Alabama's rise in college basketball is reshaping its narrative away from just being a football state, with teams like Alabama, Auburn, Samford, and UAB making significant strides in the 2024 NCAA Men's Tournament.

The Big Picture

The emergence of strong basketball programs alongside the traditional football dominance is shifting the narrative of sports success in Alabama.

By the Numbers
  • Between 2009 and 2021, either Alabama or Auburn played for the national title in college football 11 times.
  • Alabama had four teams in the 2024 NCAA Men’s Tournament, with three winning their conference tournament and one advancing to the Sweet 16.
State of Play
  • Top coaches like Bruce Pearl at Auburn and Nate Oats at Alabama have elevated their programs to unprecedented success.
  • Andy Kennedy has helped turn around the UAB program, with potential future success seen in coaches like Bucky McMillan from Samford.
Bottom Line

Alabama's basketball resurgence alongside its football legacy is shifting the state's sports landscape, with a new era of success and fierce rivalries emerging on the court.