Speaking as someone familiar with Alabama football and just how higr it is, basketball gains are looked as nice, but the recent improvements are doing nothing to change the perception of Bams being a football school. The culture, as related to basketball, is hands-down better at Illinois. And, it isn't close.Tuscaloosa I would say is worst than Champaign (ie Chicago and St Louis vicinity). I learned a long time ago that it is not the landscape that matters ...
but rather the culture, excitement and positive environment that makes the difference. In summary stay positive and exciting and we will be more than good....!