Top 5 noteworthy reasons for Alabama Crimson Tide upswing this season in NCAA basketball
The Alabama Crimson Tide have been one of the most impressive teams in the 2022-23 NCAA season.
Alabama came into the year ranked 20th in the preseason rankings. Heading into Saturday's showdown against the Gonzaga Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide (9-1) are ranked fourth. The team has been firing on all cylinders. Behind the guidance of coach Nate Oats, Alabama is is starting to come together.
One of the most impressive victories came on Saturday, when Alabama defeated the then-No. 1 Houston Cougars 71-65 in Texas. That victory was the Tide's second over a No. 1-ranked team (beating North Carolina 103-101 in four overtimes last month). It's been a remarkable rise to the top five for the Crimson Tide. Here's a look at five reasons for Alabama's upswing this season.
Top 5 reasons for the Alabama Crimson Tide upswing in college basketball
#5, Rebounding
Heading into the weekend slate of college hoops, the Alabama Crimson Tide currently lead the nation in rebound margin at 12.9 a game. Two of the star players for the Crimson Tide are averaging more than 8.0 rebounds per game.
The talented freshman duo of Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney have done sensational work in the rebounding department. Another player who has stood out is sophomore big man Charles Bediako. The 7-foot, 255-pound sophomore has done a great job of holding down the fort in the paint. Bediako is averaging 5.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in just 20.9 minutes.
#4, Ohio transfer Mark Sears
After spending the first two years of his collegiate career at Ohio University, Mark Sears transfered for his junior year. He's been a welcome addition for the Crimson Tide throughout his first 10 games.
Sears is providing important play in the rotation for Alabama, averaging 14.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3.0 assists per game. Sears is also shooting 45.0%, including an impressive 43.9% from 3-point range.
#3, Depth
The depth of the Crimson Tide roster continues to be a huge part of their success. Alabama has nine players averaging over 16 minutes per game.
In college basketball, depth can be something that turns a team from a strong team to a balanced title contender. The Crimson Tide have a roster rich of talent that can step up and contribute whenever their number is called. Players such as Jaden Bradley, Nimari Burnett and Jahvon Quinerly have become crucial pieces of the puzzle.
#2, Noah Clowney on the rise
One of the hottest names in college basketball recently has been Alabama Crimson Tide freshman forward Noah Clowney. At 6-foot-10, 210 pounds, Clowney has the tools and upside to be a prospect for the 2023 NBA draft.
His numbers on paper look respectable, averaging 9.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 1.5 bpg game in his first 10 games. But it's what Clowney has started to do that has gotten the attention of NBA scouts.
Alabama's Noah Clowney emerging as a prospect to track after combining for 36 pts, 20 reb, 5 asts, 7 3PTM last 2 games. Doubled-doubled + go-ahead putback in W over #1 Houston. Simple yet effective translatable skill set as a stretch 4 who can attack closeouts, finish rolls/dives https://t.co/6om2sVxrT5
In his last three games, Clowney is averaging 16.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.7 bpg. He's also shooting 56.3%, including 38.9% from 3-point range over that span.
#1, Freshman wing Brandon Miller
Coming into this season, freshman Brandon Miller was generating buzz throughout the college basketball world. He has delivered on that preseason hype.
At 6-foot-9, Miller is oozing with upside as a star at the NBA level. A potential three-level scorer with playmaking upside, Miller has become a favorite to go in the lottery of the 2023 NBA draft.
There are only two freshmen who rank among the Top 100 scorers in college basketball:
Brandon Miller, Alabama (18.5)
GG Jackson, South Carolina (17.4) twitter.com/goodmanhoops/s…
Miller is averaging 18.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.0 apg and 1.0 bpg. He's shooting 39.4%, including 43.7% from 3-point range.