n this episode of the Crimson Chronicles podcast, hosts Rick Morton and Tommy Ford engage with former Alabama basketball coach Mark Gottfried. They explore Gottfried's journey from his early playing days with Athletes in Action to his impactful coaching career at UCLA and Alabama. The conversation delves into his mentorship under John Wooden, the challenges of his first season at Alabama, and the significance of building a strong recruiting class. Gottfried shares memorable stories from his coaching experiences, including the remarkable journey of Antoine Petway, and reflects on the lasting impact of basketball on his life and relationships. The episode concludes with Gottfried discussing his current endeavors in leadership and coaching.00:00 Introduction to Crimson Tide Basketball History01:14 Mark Gottfried's Early Career and Athletes in Action05:07 Coaching Journey at UCLA and Mentorship from John Wooden11:02 Transitioning Back to Alabama: The Coaching Process15:54 Building the Tide Pride Program and Early Challenges22:00 Recruiting Strategies and Developing Young Talent25:02 The Rise of Alabama Basketball26:18 The NIT Experience and Tournament Journey27:43 Turning Point: The Elite Eight Run32:21 Antoine Pettway: From Walk-On to Star36:40 Life Lessons from Basketball38:58 Reunion Reflections and Personal Growth44:05 Inspiring Future Leaders