Brandon Miller after upset loss: 'I still think we're the best team in the country'

While No. 1 overall seed dropped out of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to San Diego State on Friday evening, Alabama freshman star Brandon Miller isn’t letting that change his opinion of his squad. He’ll take Alabama over anybody else as the best team in the country.

Following the 71-64 loss to the Aztecs, Miller shared that the bond he has with his teammates will be long-lasting. And amid that point, he dropped his line about Alabama still being the best team in the nation.

“It’s a great team. The best thing about it is just being around these guys. I don’t think anybody else can top this. I think we have the best bonds in the country. Honestly, I still think we’re the best team in the country,” Miller said. “Really just being around these guys and the bond we have. We’re probably going to be at each others weddings and everything in the future. So I mean, it’s just a bond you can’t break.”

As for the future of Alabama — one that he is unlikely to participate in as a projected Top 5 NBA draft pick — Miller is bullish.

“It’s definitely going to be a successful program, just coaching. I feel like coach [Nate] Oats did a great job with his recruiting. I know for a fact it’s going to be a successful program,” Miller said.

Along with Miller, Alabama teammate and senior point guard Jahvon Quinerly was also high on the program and its direction.

Speaking to reporters in front of his locker, Quinerly dodged questions about his personal future but spoke willingly about the state of the Alabama program and left no doubt about his feelings.

“I think it’s the best program in the SEC if you ask me,” Quinerly said. “I think we proved that the last three years. To all the recruits out there, if you want to win, come to Alabama.”

Unfortunately for Miller, Quinerly and the rest of Alabama’s roster, SDSU and head coach Brian Dutcher had other plans. Despite their own offensive issues against Alabama’s defense, the Aztecs kept the pace of the game tamped down and limited run outs and second chances for Alabama to score.

“I’m pleased with the score. The pace is to our favor,” Dutcher said at halftime. “We’re holding them down, we’re not letting them get fast breaks, we’re limiting second-chance opportunities and our defense has been good.”