Bruce Pearl didn't hold back when discussing Alabama basketball's postseason prospects. As Alabama prepared to face Arkansas, Pearl, now a commentator after his coaching stint at Auburn, shared his predictions in a CBS Sports video.
Among nine teams presented, Pearl saw only one making an early exit: Alabama. "I can say that with a straight face," he remarked, confidently picking Miami-Ohio for a first-round upset against the Crimson Tide.
His Sweet 16 picks included Gonzaga, Tennessee, and Auburn, while he saw Kansas, St. John's, and Iowa State reaching the Elite Eight.
Virginia, he predicted, would bow out in the Round of 32 alongside Miami-Ohio.
Pearl has been vocal about Alabama, particularly criticizing Nate Oats' decision to bring Charles Bediako back from the G League after three seasons. Oats has remained mum on Pearl's comments, opting to reference scripture when asked during a press conference before facing Ole Miss.
In their first matchup of the 2025-26 season, Alabama edged out Auburn with a 96-92 victory on Feb. 7 at Neville Arena. Alabama, now holding an 18-7 record and 8-4 in the SEC, is set to host Auburn again at Coleman Coliseum on Mar. 7 at 7:30 p.m. CT.