Final Four

Alabama needed more bodies. Connecticut and Purdue needed the right fit. North Carolina State had big holes to fill in the backcourt. They all mined the transfer portal effectively enough that those pieces are key reasons that they've reached the Final Four, headed to the desert with a chance to hoist a trophy.

Alabama in the “Final Four?” Never been. Awaiting them in the Valley of the Sun is a pack of angry pack of UConn Huskies. Dominating on its way to a fifth national championship a year ago, UConn has looked even more unbeatable so far in its run to become the first repeat champion since Florida 2006-07.

Nate Oats has Nick Saban on speed dial. Yet the Alabama men's basketball coach knew he needed as much input as possible as his team was reeling heading into the NCAA Tournament. The result? The Crimson Tide are making their first appearance in the Final Four.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Former UConn basketball player Stanley Robinson has died of unknown causes at a family residence in his Birmingham, Alabama. He…