DEVONTA POLLARD WEIGHS HIS OPTIONS

Pollard keeps fans on edge...

Pollard has made his mind up already

    I know that everyone is getting edgy about Kemper County, Mississippi super-star, Devonta Pollard. Devonta is driving fans crazy about where he is going to college. This wild idea crossed my mind regarding the young man. Why not just drive over to Mississippi and talk with the him. At least talk with his family.   I'm just messing with you. That is normally how I find out about what a kid has on his mind. It's just easier to ask them face to face.  I've done that for over 30 years and it's always worked.  (I didn't talk with him, but with some of his family in the end.)

   The McDonald High School All-American is the only recruit on the radar to fans of the University of Alabama. That's not true. Alabama has been recruiting other players, including a couple of JUCO players. I think it is fair to say that no one gets an offer (if at all) until Pollard makes his choice known. Through out all this roller coaster of a recruiting ride I've stuck to my guns - Alabama is on the top of his list. Pollard's family wants the young man to stay close to home. Both Pollard and his family have a good, no make that a very good relationship with Anthony Grant.  The question remains whether or not that relationship will lead him to the Capstone. Grant is in the middle of building something very special at Alabama. Pollard knows the two years or so he'd spend in Tuscaloosa could make a dramatic impact on the Tide. Pollard also knows that he'd have an impact anywhere he decides to play. Texas, Georgetown, and Texas are fighting to the bitter end to sign Devonta. MSU is never out of the picture with a Mississippi high school player. Missouri is fighting hard as well. The Tigers can offer the young man a lot. The early exit from the NCAA was a stunner for the Tigers, and to Pollard.  Georgetown is in the Big East. Pollard has a lot of choices. Texas has its own television network. In all fairness to Mississippi State, the Bulldogs have lost everyone, and that is not exactly the place to showplace your skills.

     So you have to do some deep thinking to justify why a kid like DP would go to Alabama. Other than being close to home what would those reasons be? According to a lot of Alabama fans the coach is horrible, the future is bleak, and the sky is about to fall. We all know those types of Alabama fans. Fans shouldn't be blindly loyal, but they should at least think through what they say and write. If anyone thinks that Anthony Grant can't coach they are mistaken. There is an old saying that you have to play the cards dealed to you. Grant chose not to do that with Green and Mitchell. That killed last season in one regard. It only caused me to double down on his character and coaching ability.  His thinking was long term and not expedient. I admire the man for that. So does Pollard's support group. The quesion in Pollard's mind is what can Alabama give me that other places can't. He already knows the answer. His mind is made up. I doubt he'll change his mind, but he could. The kid played at a smaller high school. His skills are remarkable. The jump to Division One ball will be difficult although he has more than held his own in AAU ball. Expectations will be huge if he signs with Alabama or MSU.

    The real problem that Alabama has with Pollard is not Pollard. The real problem is AAU people whispering in Devonta's ear. Grant doesn't like the way a lot of AAU coaches try to control their players. He undersands why an AAU coach would want to do so and have their moment (or more) I think he knows how to deal with that problem.  The thought of Pollard and Jacobs on the floor is exciting. Perhaps Alabama fans should not worry so much about Devonta's choice. I may be wrong. I might be misinformed. If Pollard makes the decision he'd like to make he would say Alabama. That's what his heart is telling him. Now  he has to get his head to agree.

    Unless something happens I'd place  my bets on Bama. Would I bet the ranch? Probably not but I'd ante up a thousand bucks or so.