Alabama’s defense is compared to the Final Four squad from the previous year by Nate Oats.

Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats has drawn an interesting comparison between his current team’s defensive performance and that of last year’s Final Four squad. This comparison not only highlights the improvements Alabama has made but also underscores the challenges they still face as they look to make another deep NCAA Tournament run.

During a press conference on March 26, 2025, Oats addressed concerns about his team’s defense, stating, “I’d appreciate it if you guys put a lot more talk out there about how our defense isn’t good enough to win this game so that we can show our guys that nobody believes in them like last year.” He acknowledged the widespread criticism Alabama received for their defensive struggles during their 2023-2024 Final Four campaign, even conceding, “Yeah, our defense wasn’t any good last year. I think we weren’t even in the top 100 in defense.”

Despite last season’s defensive shortcomings, Alabama managed to reach the Final Four on the strength of their high-powered offense. However, Oats has placed a strong emphasis on improving the defensive aspect of the game this season. According to KenPom rankings, Alabama now stands at No. 26 in defensive efficiency, a significant improvement from the previous year.

Oats stated, “I think this year our defense is significantly better. It’s still not where we’d like it to be. It’s going to have to get significantly better to make another Final Four run.” This improvement is especially noteworthy given Alabama’s grueling schedule, ranked as the toughest in the country.

Several factors have contributed to this defensive enhancement. One of the most impactful moves was the offseason hiring of longtime NBA defensive assistant Brian Adams, whose expertise has helped refine Alabama’s defensive schemes. Additionally, the acquisition of Clifford Omoruyi, a two-time Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection, has provided the team with a strong interior presence. Freshman guard Labaron Philon has also been a standout on defense, leading the team in steals per game and adding a much-needed edge to the backcourt.

Looking ahead to the NCAA Tournament, Alabama faces some of the nation’s top offensive teams, beginning with their Sweet 16 matchup against BYU. The Cougars have been the No. 1 offense in the country since February 12, making them a serious test for Alabama’s improved defense. “Hopefully, we continue to play well on offense, but our defense is going to have to be at an elite level with BYU,” Oats remarked. “They’re in transition, they’re good in the half court, they’re good on the boards. They’re pretty much good at everything, they’re great in pick-and-rolls, so our defense will get tested against these guys on Thursday.”

Should Alabama advance past BYU, potential matchups with offensive juggernauts like Duke and Arizona await them. Oats recognized that defensive play will likely be the determining factor in these contests, stating, “I think a lot of who’s going to come out of here is who plays the best defense, and some of these other teams have had better defensive stretches than maybe we’ve had.”

This emphasis on defense represents a shift in Oats’ coaching philosophy. Historically, his teams have been known for their high-scoring, fast-paced offensive play, but this season, he has placed a greater focus on defensive execution. Reflecting on his coaching journey, Oats said, “The identity of my teams has been pretty similar to be honest with you—the ones that have won it. I mean, they’re kinda tough, gritty, hard-nosed. I’ll say this: we’re a better defensive team than I’ve ever coached.”

Alabama’s defensive transformation aligns with a broader trend in college basketball—teams recognizing that a strong defense is essential for deep postseason runs. While offensive prowess can propel a team forward, it is often a lockdown defense that decides close tournament games.

As Alabama prepares for its upcoming challenges in the NCAA Tournament, the team’s defensive performance will be a focal point. Their improvement this season has been evident, but they will need to elevate their game even further to contend with some of the best offensive teams in the nation. Oats’ leadership and the team’s commitment to defensive excellence will be crucial in determining how far Alabama advances.

In conclusion, Nate Oats’ comparison between this year’s defense and that of last year’s Final Four team illustrates both the progress made and the challenges that remain. If Alabama can maintain and further refine their defensive execution, they have the potential to make another deep tournament run. The Crimson Tide’s success in the coming games will ultimately depend on their ability to continue their defensive evolution and rise to the occasion against elite competition.