Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Alabama men’s basketball unveils first Final Four banner at Coleman Coliseum
Just over six months after the Alabama men’s basketball program made its first ever Final Four appearance, the team officially revealed a new banner inside Coleman Coliseum to celebrate the historic season.
But the night was not just about the past as the Crimson Tide showcased its team for the upcoming season for the first time through a 3-point competition, dunk contest and scrimmage in front of plenty of Alabama fans.
Keep reading to see more pictures from inside the Coliseum + learn more about the celebration and the 2024-25 team.
Banner reveal
Alabama certainly had some struggles during the 2023-24 season but the Crimson Tide hit their stride at the right time. For the first time ever, Alabama won four games in a single NCAA Tournament:
- First round: #4 Alabama 109, #13 Charleston 96
- Second round: #4 Alabama 72, #12 Grand Canyon 61
- Sweet 16: #4 Alabama 89, #1 North Carolina 87
- Elite 8: #4 Alabama 89, #6 Clemson 82
The Crimson Tide’s run would end with a loss to eventual champion UConn in the Final Four but that defeat did not slow down the excitement from the fanbase as the program continues to see sustained success under coach Nate Oats.
During the banner reveal, Alabama also got to show off the addition of 2024 to its Elite Eight banner. Last season was just the second time the men’s program made it that far, joining the 2004 team exactly two decades later.
The celebrations did not end inside Coleman Coliseum though as the team also received its Final Four rings and were again recognized on the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Tide’s game against South Carolina.
Crimson Tide ranked #2 in preseason poll
Making the Final Four was certainly the catalyst for the excitement around the Alabama men’s basketball program but that hype has been extended into the offseason in large part due to who will be on the floor for the Crimson Tide in the 2024-25 season.
That roster was introduced to the crowd during Friday’s event which included the loudest cheers for returning stars Mark Sears and Grant Nelson. But fans also got to see some new faces who are expected to make an immediate impact including:
- Aden Holloway
- Labaron Philon
- Derrion Reid
- Clifford Omoruyi
Sears would go on to win the 3-point contest over Houston Mallette while Reid would win the dunk contest final over Jarin Stevenson and Naas Cunningham.
Alabama is ranked #2 in the country in the preseason AP poll, sitting just behind Kansas. The Crimson Tide received 14 of the 60 first-place votes. It’s the highest preseason ranking for the team ever.
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