“We Set a Foundation” – Wrightsell

The Alabama Crimson Tide had their Final Four run ended by the defending national champions, the UConn Huskies, 86-72. Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle proved too much for the Tide with 39 combined points.

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For some, it's the last time they'll suit up as a member of the Crimson Tide. The only guarantee is Aaron Estrada, who is out of eligibility. However, some players will likely transfer, and Mark Sears could head to the NBA after a season that saw him break the Alabama single-season scoring record and most games with 20 or more points.

No two teams are the same, even if Estrada is the only departure. Alabama also has assistant Austin Claunch leaving to become the head coach of the UTSA Roadrunners and Ryan Pannone has been linked to other jobs across the country.

I asked the Crimson Tide team, what does this team, being able to make this run, mean to you?

Aaron Estrada

"It meant a lot. Every time we talked, that was kind of a point. 'it's Aaron's last year, let's do it for Aaron.' I felt the love the whole season. I gave it my all and everybody gave it their all. I'm proud of these guys. They played really hard for me all year."

Nick Pringle

'it means a lot. A lot of guys put their individual goals aside and wanted to make this effort together. I feel like we've done that. We made it to the Final Four for the first time in school history. It's outstanding what we did this year...It's been amazing the run that we had, and it's sad we came short. Aaron's the only guy that can't return to college. We really wanted to do it for him, for Chris Stewart, doing it for a lot of different reasons. A lot of us come from different backgrounds and people that we do it for. It just hurts, man. It's hard to explain how we really feel.

Jarin Stevenson

"It means a lot. I can't imagine this being [Aaron Estrada's] last game in college. This game means a lot for him and leaving it out all on the floor."

Latrell Wrightsell Jr.

"I feel like it builds a culture for guys coming in but leaves brotherhood with us and the people leaving. We'll always be in contact and I know that we'll understand that we have love for one another, not just on the court, but off the court as well. I think that guys coming in will sink in give gratitude and show love for the other person next to you. I feel like we set a foundation for that and understanding that. I feel like other people will want to come here  because if someone is celebrating the other person's success like it's yours, why wouldn't you want to be here."

Rylan Griffen

"It means a lot. I love these guys and all my brothers. Tough situation, but I'm sure everybody will bounce back."

Mouhamed Dioubate

"I'm grateful to be here, making the Final Four my freshman year and for the first time in program history. We play for each other. We made it far with Aaron, this is his last season in college basketball. I really enjoy just playing with these guys on the court."

Wyatt Fulton is on-site in Phoenix for coverage of the NCAA Men's Tournament Final Four for Tide 100.9. Coverage is sponsored by the Sportsbook at Pearl River Resort. Located at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, they offer traditional sports betting in which guests can bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events.