Nate Oats calls this season one of the most memorable years in Alabama basketball history

Nate Oats and company are putting a spin of positivity on Alabama being knocked out of the NCAA Tournament via a loss to San Diego State on Friday evening.

The Crimson Tide fell to the Aztecs by a score of 71-64, and with that the top overall seed exited March Madness. In fact, every No. 1 seed has been eliminated before the Elite Eight, which is something we’re willing to bet almost everyone didn’t expect, even the most upset-happy predictors.

Nevertheless, the agony of defeat isn’t going to spoil what Oats believes to be one of the most memorable seasons in Alabama history, as he explained to the media afterwards.

“I’ll say it’s one of the most memorable seasons ever,” stated Oats. “It’s not easy to win the regular season, the SEC tournament in the same year and make a Sweet 16 run.

“It’s a great group that really loves each other. I mean, they’re going to be close for life, most of them. You know, I love the group, they love each other, and it’s just really disappointing that it’s ending early. But I think it’s one of the most memorable seasons in Alabama history, and they can walk out of here with their heads up.”

Evidently, Oats isn’t the only one with that mindset, as Alabama star Brandon Miller echoed his coach’s sentiment.

“I mean, I think it was a pretty successful season,” added Miller. “Made it to the Sweet 16. Probably one of the biggest tournaments I’ve ever played in in my life. I think we really just came to have fun really and just compete at a high level.”

Of course, Alabama captured the SEC regular season crown, as well as the SEC Tournament title, that’s nothing to scoff at, but Crimson Tide faithful have to be disappointed in how their season ended on Friday. Alabama had a golden opportunity at the Final Four, and subsequently a championship, as all other No. 1 seeds also lost, and only one No. 2 seed remained as well.

Instead, Oats’ squad is heading home to Tuscaloosa, wondering what could’ve been.

Yes, the SEC trophies are shiny, but the big one still eludes Nate Oats, Brandon Miller and the rest of the Crimson Tide. The foundation has been laid for future and continuous success, and the motivation of missed opportunities will be there, but the sting may not leave the Crimson Tide for awhile moving forward.