The University of Alabama is more than a powerhouse football program.

Nate Oats brought Alabama men's basketball to the NCAA Tournament for a fourth time in five years.

RELATED: Kalen DeBoer reacts to Alabama basketball defeating North Carolina

After handing top-seeded North Carolina an 87-89 loss in the Sweet 16, the Crimson Tide advances to the Elite Eight of March Madness for the first time in 20 years. Alabama made it to the Elite 8 in 2004 under Mark Gottfried with Antione Pettway as its marquee star point guard. The Tide lost to Connecticut, the eventual NCAA Tournament Champion, in the national semifinal round. Alabama football is proud of the accomplishment that Coach Oats and the basketball program made. The Crimson Tide has an opportunity to make its first-ever Final Four appearance if it beats Clemson. Several Alabama football alums reacted with joy on social media in seeing the basketball team take down the Tar Heels on Thursday to advance to the Elite Eight.

The reactions are below.

ION GIVE A PISS BOUT NUN BUT THE TIIIIDDEEEE!!!! #RollTide @AlabamaMBB pic.twitter.com/gzAYDKlUno

— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) March 29, 2024

🐘❤️🐘 https://t.co/xisniw87jd

— Ryan Anderson (@_ryananderson22) March 29, 2024

I’m so excited that my bracket is busted!!!! #Rolltide #MarchMadness

— Roman Harper (@Harp41) March 29, 2024

Rmft !!!!!!!!!

— Eddie Lacy (@Lil_Eazy_Ana_42) March 29, 2024

First time in 20 years since Alabama has made it to the Elite 8 🤯🔥 #RollTide

— Mac Hereford (@Mac_Hereford) March 29, 2024

Huge WIN !! #RMFT

— OJ Howard (@TheRealOjHoward) March 29, 2024

#RollTide 🐘

— Alphonse Taylor (@SHANKK50) March 29, 2024

Tide Rolls Again!

— Chris Owens (@BGChrisOwens) March 29, 2024

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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.