Crimson Tide wins 4th Mens’ College National Wheelchair Basketball title

The University of Alabama mens’ wheelchair basketball team defeated top ranked Arizona to claim the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament title this weekend in Whitewater Wisconsin.

The Crimson Tide won the title game 73-68.

“The weekend was pretty awesome to watch our young men play, mature, handle adversity and really come together as a group to play and win for each other,” UA WheelChair Basketball Head Coach Ford Burttram told The Bama Buzz.

Title Town

The victory gives the Tide a  “Double” in 2023 — national basketball wheelchair championships for both women and men. 

Earlier this month, the women won their 4th straight national title and 9th in program history.

The 2023 title is the fourth national championship for mens’ team in the Intercollegiate Division. The previous three titles were won in 2013, 2018 and 2019.

Champion On and Off the Court

Burttram, who played for Alabama in the mid-2000s, was an assistant coach for the 2013 national championship team and head coach for the past three titles. He is very proud of this year’s squad. 

“For the university, I think it speaks volumes to the type of character of these young men— that want to come into this program and want to be part of this university. Ten out of the 13 players on the team are Academic All-Americans. Add that to the list of accomplishments our young men have earned this year as well.”

Team Effort

From top to bottom, Burttram credits the overwhelming support his team has received from UA President Stuart Bell and his wife Susan to the staff and many volunteers, as the secret to the Crimson Tide’s success.  

“I couldn’t be more appreciative and the boys couldn’t be more appreciative how we are supported by a university here at Alabama.”

Are you beaming with pride knowing Alabama has won the Mens’ and Womens’ College National Championships in Wheelchair Basketball? Tell us what think about the programs by tagging us @thebamabuzz