Against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn basketball has the potential to create history.
In the world of college basketball, rivalries are often the lifeblood of a program. They bring a sense of urgency and passion to the court, as the stakes are higher than just winning a game — it’s about pride, tradition, and often, legacies. For the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide, the rivalry runs deep, and in recent years, it has become one of the most competitive and exhilarating matchups in college basketball. Auburn basketball, while historically not as dominant as Alabama’s program, has all the ingredients to make history against the Crimson Tide. The intensity of the rivalry, combined with Auburn’s rise as a national contender, creates the potential for moments that could go down in the history books.
As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, Auburn is positioning itself not just to challenge Alabama on a regular basis but to potentially create a lasting legacy in this storied rivalry. With talent, coaching, and the hunger to win, Auburn’s basketball program has the opportunity to not only beat Alabama but also solidify its place among the elite teams in the SEC and in college basketball as a whole.
Auburn Basketball’s Rise to Prominence
Over the last decade, Auburn basketball has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once considered a mid-tier program in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Tigers have emerged as one of the league’s most formidable teams under head coach Bruce Pearl. Since his arrival in 2014, Pearl has brought his energy, recruiting prowess, and innovative coaching methods to Auburn, creating a team that is competitive on a national level.
In 2019, Auburn made a historic run to the Final Four, an achievement that marked the program’s ascent into the elite ranks of college basketball. This deep tournament run, fueled by players like Jared Harper, Bryce Brown, and Chuma Okeke, put the Tigers on the map. However, the journey didn’t stop there. Over the next few seasons, Pearl continued to build a program capable of not only competing for SEC titles but also making deep runs in the NCAA tournament.
Auburn’s rise has coincided with Alabama’s own ascent in the SEC under Nate Oats. While Alabama has been a dominant force in recent years, Auburn’s development under Pearl has positioned the Tigers as a serious threat to Alabama’s success. This creates the perfect storm for a historical clash — two elite teams, both capable of winning the SEC and making deep NCAA tournament runs, facing off in a rivalry that could define their seasons.
The Auburn-Alabama Rivalry in Basketball
The rivalry between Auburn and Alabama in basketball has always been a fierce one, but it has taken on new significance in recent years. Historically, Alabama had the edge in terms of basketball success, with a strong program built on a foundation of consistency, especially under former coaches like Wimp Sanderson and Nate Oats. However, Auburn’s rise has added a new dynamic to the rivalry, giving fans on both sides something to get excited about each time the teams meet.
In recent seasons, both teams have found themselves at the top of the SEC standings, with Auburn challenging Alabama’s dominance in the conference. The rivalry has grown not just because of the proximity of the two schools in the state of Alabama but because of the contrasting styles and philosophies of the two programs. Auburn, under Bruce Pearl, is known for its up-tempo play, aggressive defense, and an offense that relies on spacing, ball movement, and three-point shooting. In contrast, Alabama, under Nate Oats, has embraced the “modern” style of basketball, using pace, spacing, and advanced analytics to create a high-powered offense and relentless defense.
This divergence in playing styles only adds to the excitement of the rivalry, making each game unpredictable and full of drama. Whether it’s Auburn’s aggressive full-court press or Alabama’s lethal three-point shooting, these games are always packed with emotion and intensity. When these two teams face off, it’s more than just a game; it’s a battle for the state’s basketball supremacy.
Auburn’s Keys to Creating History Against Alabama
In order to make history and secure victories over the Crimson Tide in 2025, Auburn will need to continue to capitalize on its strengths while addressing areas that have historically given them trouble when facing Alabama. Here are the key factors that will determine whether Auburn can create history against the Crimson Tide:
1. Strong Defensive Identity
Auburn’s calling card under Bruce Pearl has always been its tenacious defense. The Tigers’ ability to disrupt passing lanes, force turnovers, and contest shots has been a hallmark of their success. Against Alabama, whose offense is predicated on three-point shooting and fast breaks, Auburn will need to stay disciplined defensively. The Tigers must use their size and athleticism to close out on Alabama’s shooters and limit open looks from beyond the arc. This can be especially challenging considering Alabama’s shooting depth, but Auburn’s ability to force Alabama into tough, contested shots could be a deciding factor.
Key Player: Allen Flanigan
As one of Auburn’s best defenders, Allen Flanigan will be crucial in guarding Alabama’s perimeter players. Flanigan’s versatility and defensive prowess will allow him to match up with Alabama’s guards and forwards, making him a key player in Auburn’s efforts to slow down the Tide’s fast-paced offense.
2. Rebounding Dominance
One area where Auburn has had success against Alabama in the past is on the boards. To disrupt Alabama’s rhythm and prevent them from getting second-chance opportunities, Auburn must dominate the glass. Alabama plays a fast-paced game that can sometimes lead to missed shots, and Auburn’s bigs must capitalize on those opportunities. This means crashing the boards with force and boxing out effectively to deny Alabama’s shooters the chance to reset possessions.
Key Player: Johni Broome
As one of Auburn’s most talented and physical players, Johni Broome will be key in this battle. His rebounding ability and size inside will be essential for Auburn to limit Alabama’s offensive rebounds and transition game. Broome will also be critical for Auburn in terms of creating second-chance opportunities for their offense.
3. Offensive Execution and Efficiency
While Auburn is known for its defense, it is crucial for them to execute on the offensive end as well. Alabama’s high-scoring offense, led by players like Brandon Miller and Mark Sears, can quickly get hot from beyond the arc. To keep pace with Alabama’s offense, Auburn will need efficient shooting and ball movement. The Tigers’ ability to stretch the floor with shooters like Wendell Green Jr. and Katie Johnson will be pivotal. Auburn must also be able to score in transition and get easy baskets off turnovers, as Alabama’s high-pressure defense will leave opportunities for quick strikes.
Key Player: Wendell Green Jr.
Wendell Green Jr. will be a major factor in Auburn’s offensive success. As the point guard, he is responsible for facilitating the offense and finding the open man. Green’s ability to drive the lane, score at the rim, and hit from beyond the arc will be crucial in keeping Auburn competitive in shootouts against Alabama.
4. Playing with Composure in High-Stakes Situations
Games against Alabama will always carry added pressure due to the rivalry. Auburn players must remain composed and focused in high-stress situations, especially in the closing moments of the game. Alabama, under Nate Oats, often thrives in fast-paced, high-scoring games, so Auburn must manage the tempo and control possessions. Whether Auburn is ahead or playing from behind, maintaining composure in critical moments will be key.
Key Player: Jaylin Williams
As a veteran forward, Jaylin Williams will be one of the leaders in maintaining poise during intense moments. His experience and ability to play within himself will be essential for Auburn to execute late in games and avoid unnecessary mistakes or turnovers that could give Alabama an advantage.
The Path to History
To make history, Auburn must defeat Alabama not just once but potentially multiple times in the 2024-2025 season, including in any SEC tournament matchups. A win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa or in the SEC Tournament could elevate Auburn’s program to new heights, and a postseason victory could further cement the team’s status as one of the premier programs in the country.
Beating Alabama in a high-stakes rivalry game — particularly in an SEC tournament or NCAA tournament setting — would mark a historic moment for the Auburn basketball program. Such a victory would not only provide bragging rights over the state’s biggest rival but would also signal that Auburn has the potential to win at the highest level of college basketball.
With the right mix of defense, offense, and composure under pressure, Auburn basketball has the tools to make history in its rivalry with Alabama. The 2025 season presents an opportunity for the Tigers to etch their name in the history books — not just as a team that competed with Alabama, but as a team that beat them and proved its place among the elite teams in the SEC and NCAA basketball.
In this fierce and exciting rivalry, Auburn’s moment of triumph may be just around the corner, and with it, the chance to create lasting history against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
