Alabama basketball can do better in these five categories on the back nine of the SEC schedule.

As the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team approaches the back nine of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule, the team is positioned well within the conference standings, but the final stretch will be critical in their quest for an SEC title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Nate Oats has built a program that has become a fixture near the top of the SEC standings, but the road ahead will not be easy. Alabama’s offense and defense have had flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but as the competition intensifies, there are several areas where the Crimson Tide could improve. To finish strong and maintain their momentum, here are five key categories in which Alabama can improve as they head into the back half of their SEC schedule:

1. Defensive Consistency

Alabama’s defense has been one of the strengths of their team this season, but like many high-tempo programs, the defensive effort can sometimes be inconsistent. There have been games where Alabama has been able to stifle opponents with aggressive defense, forcing turnovers and limiting high-quality shot attempts. However, in other contests, the Tide has been prone to lapses, allowing opposing teams to score in spurts and shoot at high percentages.

To make a serious run in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament, Alabama’s defense needs to be more consistent. In particular, they must improve in these areas:

• Defending the Three-Point Line: While Alabama is known for its ability to shoot the three, they have occasionally struggled to defend the perimeter. Opponents have had success in stretching the Tide’s defense, particularly when shooters are given too much space. Alabama needs to be more disciplined in closing out on shooters and contesting shots without fouling. Teams like Auburn, Tennessee, and Kentucky all feature high-level shooters who can exploit defensive lapses, and Alabama cannot afford to give up open looks.
• Limiting Dribble Penetration: Alabama’s defense is at its best when they keep the ball in front of them and force contested jump shots. However, they’ve occasionally allowed guards and wings to break down their defense with dribble penetration, which not only leads to easy baskets but also opens up opportunities for kick-out passes to shooters. To mitigate this, Alabama’s defenders need to stay in front of the ball, avoid over-committing on help defense, and force opponents to take contested shots instead of getting into the paint.
• Rebounding on Defense: One of the key components of Alabama’s defense is its ability to secure defensive rebounds. They are one of the better teams in the SEC in terms of rebounding, but there have been games where their opponents have grabbed too many second-chance opportunities. Limiting those extra possessions is essential for maintaining control of the game, especially against teams that are capable of scoring in bunches.

If Alabama can improve their defensive consistency on the back nine of the SEC schedule, they will have a much better chance of securing wins against some of the league’s toughest opponents and making a deep run in the postseason.

2. Ball Movement and Offensive Efficiency

While Alabama has been one of the highest-scoring teams in the SEC this season, their offensive efficiency has been inconsistent. This can largely be attributed to occasional ball movement breakdowns, a tendency to settle for quick, contested shots, and lapses in decision-making. When Alabama’s offense is clicking, they can be a well-oiled machine, with everyone from their guards to their forwards contributing in a fluid, fast-paced system. But to make sure that their offense is consistently efficient, the Tide needs to improve in the following areas:

• Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: One of the most glaring areas where Alabama could improve is in their assist-to-turnover ratio. At times, they’ve been too careless with the ball, especially when trying to push the pace and create fast-break opportunities. Alabama ranks in the middle of the SEC in terms of turnover margin, and while their up-tempo style naturally leads to more possessions, they need to cut down on unforced turnovers and make smarter decisions. Players like Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears need to continue developing their court vision and decision-making, finding the right balance between pushing the tempo and ensuring they get quality shots.
• Offensive Rebounds and Second-Chance Points: Alabama’s ability to generate second-chance opportunities has been inconsistent. While they have some talented rebounders in their frontcourt, they often need to do a better job of crashing the boards after missed shots. Extra possessions are critical, particularly in tight games against high-caliber opponents. For Alabama, improving their offensive rebounding will not only give them additional chances to score but will also help slow down the opposing team’s offense by preventing them from getting out in transition.
• Spacing and Shot Selection: In an up-tempo offense, it can be tempting to take early threes or settle for shots that might not be the best option. While Alabama has great shooters like Brandon Miller and Mark Sears, they should focus on creating better spacing to get higher-quality looks. Ball movement, player movement, and setting screens to create open shots will be key in generating efficient scoring opportunities. Alabama has the personnel to thrive in an offense that values spacing and smart shot selection, and they will need to execute that more effectively in the latter part of the SEC schedule.
• Playmaking from the Guards: Alabama’s guards, including Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears, are critical to the success of the offense. They need to continue to improve as facilitators, making sure the ball moves efficiently around the floor and ensuring that the best shot is taken on every possession. Their ability to break down defenses, create open shots for teammates, and make decisions under pressure will be critical for the offense as the schedule heats up.

3. Late-Game Execution

As Alabama heads toward the back end of the SEC schedule, one of the most important areas for improvement will be their late-game execution. The Crimson Tide has had some close contests this season, and while they’ve won several of them, there have been moments where their execution faltered in the closing minutes. Whether it’s a missed free throw, a bad shot selection, or a defensive breakdown, these small lapses in execution can be the difference between winning and losing.

To improve in this area, Alabama needs to focus on:

• Clutch Scoring: In tight games, Alabama must be able to execute in the final minutes. They need players who can take over in crunch time, whether it’s getting to the basket, hitting a key three-pointer, or drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line. Brandon Miller has shown the ability to be a go-to scorer in big moments, but other players must also step up and help take pressure off him.
• Late-Game Situational Defense: With the game on the line, Alabama needs to tighten up defensively and make stops when it matters most. This includes playing disciplined defense, forcing opponents into tough shots, and securing rebounds. Late-game situations often come down to execution in half-court defense, and Alabama will need to have a consistent plan for defending against both the three-point shot and driving lanes.
• Free-Throw Shooting: One of the most critical aspects of late-game execution is being able to capitalize on free-throw opportunities. Alabama’s free-throw shooting has been a weakness at times this season, and they can’t afford to miss crucial free throws in close games. Improving their free-throw shooting will not only increase their chances of winning tight games but will also help them avoid giving opponents free points down the stretch.

4. Consistency in Guard Play

While Alabama has been able to rely on strong performances from players like Brandon Miller, the team’s guard play has been a bit more erratic. Guards like Jahvon Quinerly, Mark Sears, and Nimari Burnett have shown flashes of brilliance but have also had their moments of inconsistency. To make a deep run in both the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, Alabama’s guards must be more consistent in their production.

• Improved Scoring from Quinerly and Sears: Quinerly has shown the ability to be a playmaker, but he also needs to be more consistent in scoring when his team needs it most. Mark Sears, similarly, has been solid but has struggled with shot consistency in some games. Both players need to be reliable scoring options throughout the course of the game, particularly as defenses hone in on Miller.
• Defensive Contributions from Guards: Guards are also crucial for Alabama’s defensive success. Quinerly and Sears must provide solid perimeter defense, especially when facing dynamic playmakers. Guard play in the SEC can be some of the most athletic and skilled in the country, so Alabama’s guards need to be up to the challenge of defending against quick and explosive backcourt players.
• Playmaking and Decision-Making: As mentioned earlier, the guards must continue to improve their decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations. Alabama’s success hinges on their ability to move the ball effectively, create open shots, and avoid turnovers in crucial moments.

5. Bench Production and Depth

Depth has been a strength of Alabama this season, but the back nine of the SEC schedule will test the team’s ability to maintain a high level of play throughout the game. While Alabama’s starting five is strong, their bench will need to contribute more consistently as the competition heats up.

• Improved Play from Bench Players: Alabama has several capable players on the bench who can provide key minutes, including Nimari Burnett, Juwan Gary, and Charles Bediako. The bench must provide a consistent scoring punch, solid defense, and valuable minutes to relieve the starters when needed.
• Maintaining Defensive Energy: Alabama’s up-tempo style requires energy, and the bench needs to step in and keep the defensive pressure up when the starters are resting. The ability to maintain defensive intensity without sacrificing too much on offense will be crucial for Alabama as they move through the back portion of the SEC schedule.
• Minimizing Injuries and Fatigue: Depth will also be crucial in minimizing the risk of injuries and fatigue. With several key games in quick succession, Alabama needs to keep their players fresh and healthy, which makes strong bench production even more important.