While the Alabama men’s basketball team makes a push to its first Final Four in program history, the Crimson Tide football team got started on its hunt for another championship on Monday.

Alabama held its opening practice of the spring en route to the A-Day game on April 22. Ahead of his 17th season leading the Tide, Nick Saban met with the media to provide updates.

Saban will step behind the podium at approximately 6 p.m. CT. Refresh this page for updates.

–”Long time no see, gotta say that I missed you,” Saban said to start his opening statement.

–”The No. 1 focus of spring is your development,” Saban said, emphasizing individual growth in the spring.

–”You guys love depth charts, we don’t really have a depth chart right now,” Saban said while promising opportunity on the roster.

–Saban provided a series of injury updates, specifically stating that Deontae Lawson and Dallas Turner will be out for the spring.

–Tony Mitchell, who was arrested in Florida last week, is “suspended” from team activities.

–Saban said the spring session for Malachi Moore and Kool-Aid McKinstry is the same for all the guys on the roster, there’s room for improvement and opportunities to play.

–Saban said the team looks for young players “who fit the culture” when relating to the pair of transfer portal additions to the roster. Saban said the team looks for talent in the portal when there’s a need.

–Saban “likes” the group they have at the offensive line right now. “We probably lost more players than we gained,” Saban said, referencing the need for depth at the position.

–”I look at every season like I just took the job,” Saban said.

–”We haven’t picked the leadership group yet. We have the advisory committee,” Saban said of implementing the leaders on the team.

–One of the most “crucial” things Saban looked for in his coordinator search was a track record at developing quarterbacks. The Tide is bringing in two freshmen throwers this year, but Dylan Lonergan will be joining the team in the summer.

–”Development at that position is really going to be a critical thing this year,” Saban said if the impending quarterback hunt.

RELATED: Alabama freshman football player arrested on marijuana charge; loaded gun found in car

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].