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Whatever the outcome is today, it’s been a hell of a year for Tide Hoops. The Crimson Tide, already regular season SEC champs, will be selected later today as, at worst, a 2-seed for this year’s NCAA Tournament, regardless of this game’s outcome. However, a win today will ensure that Alabama will be hanging a second banner for the 2021 season, a rare feat that not many other programs in the conference can claim. It would also clearly surpass the 2002 team in terms of season-long accomplishments, likely putting only Wimp Sanderson’s most successful squad in 1987 still in front of it, for now.
SEC Coach of the Year Nate Oats is already trying to carve out his spot on the Mount Rushmore of Tide Hoops, only two seasons into his tenure in Tuscaloosa. And folks, Alabama isn’t going anywhere while he remains the head coach at the Capstone. This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan type of season - the Crimson Tide will have staying power at the top of the conference during the 2020s.
It’s a good time to be a fan of Alabama basketball. Can the Tide put the bow on this amazing season with another SEC Championship today? The game tips-off at noon and will be televised on ESPN. Alabama is currently a six-point favorite.