Prominent analyst believes Alabama can win NCAA tournament with improved defense

So why is Bilas so high on this single-faceted team? It's their room to improve.

"What the analytics tell you is what a team has done. It doesn't tell you what a team is capable of," Bilas said.

In this case, Bilas points out that Alabama doesn't have to be as elite defensively as teams like Auburn or Houston – both top five, according to KenPom – but if the Crimson Tide can improve on the defensive end, the offense is great enough to carry them deep into the tournament.

"They're not going to reach that level defensively, but if they trend toward it and are rising as they get to the postseason, they can win this thing," Bilas explained. "They're good enough."

Bilas also praised head coach Nate Oats, who has effectively used analytics to overhaul the program. 

Alabama had this week off from games, with Oats and his fellow coaches likely helping prepare their players for the final stretch run of the regular season, especially defensively.

In the SEC, Alabama is hardly elite in any one defensive statistic, with the Tide's best being third in the conference in rebounds. But that could be a blessing in disguise, allowing Alabama room to grow in categories like steals (fifth in conference) and blocks (eighth).

If the Tide get just a little bit better at forcing turnovers and blocking shots, this team could become a scary matchup for just about anyone. After all, Alabama already has the nation's best offense. Combine that with a better defense and you've got a contender.