Final Four, national championship predictions from the BamaInsider staff

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The NCAA Tournament is technically underway with play-in games, but everyone knows Thursday is when the real competition begins. As the No. 1 overall seed, Nate Oats and Alabama have a path to the Final Four, but can they make it that far for the first time in program history?

Below, you’ll find the entire BamaInsider staff’s Final Four predictions. You’ll also get the national championship matchup, as well as a predicted national champion. Once you’re done reading, head on over to the Talk of Champions message board and let us who you’re predicting to win it all!

Jimmy Stein, Team Expert

Texas wins it all. The best team from the best league. Rallied behind an assistant mid-season to win it all. I think Michigan did that back in 1989. I didn’t pick Alabama. Why? Leave me alone, I’m trying some reverse psychology ****.

Final Four: Arizona, Kansas, Texas, Gonzaga

Championship Game: Arizona vs. Texas

National Champion: Texas

Andrew Bone, Director of Recruiting

I have attended Alabama basketball games since I was a toddler. I don’t remember much from those years- the memories really started when David Hobbs was the coach. My fondest memories included the Elite 8 appearance in 2004, Antonine Pettway’s layup against No. 1 UF at the buzzer in 2002, the Collin Sexton layup at the buzzer against A&M in the first round of the SEC Tournament in 2018. I’ll never forget Mykal Riley’s three at the buzzer to force OT in the 2008 SEC Tournament seconds before a tornado hit downtown Atlanta.

This season is also remembered for many reasons- but keeping things on the court- Alabama has a chance to do something it’s never accomplished which is playing in the Final Four. Those are the expectations, and no longer wishful thinking. Anything short of a Final Four appearance is a disappointing finish to an unbelievable year. I watch a lot of basketball- this team has the ability to win it all. They have to play at their best and also have a little luck- if they do they won’t get beat.

That’s my prediction. Alabama makes its first Final Four, and also wins its first college basketball national title.

Final Four: Alabama, Marquette, Texas, TCU

Championship Game: Alabama, TCU

National Champion: Alabama

Joseph Hastings, Senior Recruiting Reporter

Unlike Bone, I have not attended Alabama basketball games since I was a toddler. Unlike Jimmy, I will not be going down the path of reverse psychology. What I will say, however, is that Alabama has the ideal roster to win a championship.

They have veteran experience and leadership in Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears. They have length, their motor runs high on defense, and they average the most rebounds per game in the country. They have an A coaching staff. They also have the best player in college basketball in Brandon Miller.

If Alabama had to play a best-of-five series against each of their opponents, then I’d give them a very, very good chance of winning it all. It’s March Madness, so anything can happen, but Alabama has the pieces to win this whole thing.

Final Four: Alabama, Michigan State, Gonzaga, Houston

Championship Game: Alabama, Houston

National Champion: Alabama

Clint Lamb, Team Reporter

From a tournament standpoint, what is there not to like about Alabama? This is one of the most athletic teams in the country. They’re extremely long, they play elite defense and, when they’re on, they’re lethal from beyond the arc. Granted, the shooting has struggled at times recently, but I think they find a groove in Birmingham.

I really like Alabama’s path to the Final Four, too.

No, I don’t necessarily think it’ll be cakewalk, but there isn’t anyone standing in their way that should terrify fans. Don’t get me wrong, they’re certainly capable of getting beat if they don’t bring their A-game. We saw that against Oklahoma. But despite the youth, this feels like a mature team, and that leads me to believe that they fully understand the finality of another loss.

If I were to change anything ahead of the start of the games, it’d be taking Marquette out of my Final Four. I like them, but I’m not in love with them. The problem is that I’m not sold on Purdue or Duke, either. Who knows, maybe Kansas State can get the better of them in the Sweet 16. Or maybe I should just leave it alone.

I do wonder about the status of Kansas guard Kevin McCullar, but even if he’s not able to return anytime soon (he’s trending towards playing), then I still like the Jayhawks’ chances of getting to the championship. Texas makes me a little bit nervous, but I feel pretty good about picking them to make a run. We’ll see.

Final Four: Alabama, Marquette, Kansas, Texas

Championship Game: Alabama vs. Kansas

National Champion: Alabama