We'll know more about 'Bama after this week...
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| Ahmad Starks - he had 30 last week |
After watching Alabama in three games I have to say underwhelmed would be kind. The team has some potential but no post play. For a school that has been blessed with big men it is hard to understand. So it is essential for us to find an alternate way to go. We only have ten players on scholarship right now. There is an old adage that says it is better to miss on good players than end up signing bad players. I thing we can see some of that in the Tide's roster right now. I understand Grant's desire to open up a pipeline to Europe.
The Tide's season hinges on three things in my opinion. They are:
- How well can Bama shoot the ball from the perimeter this year? Last year's shooting will not get the job done. Lacey, Cooper, and Randolph all look better in my view.
2. How quickly does Devonta Pollard take to become a big time player. Every player
advances at his own rate. Trevor Releford came into the league ready to go. Pollard
looked better against West Alabama. But he has long way to go. He has the ability
to be a great player. He'll progress quickly. How quickly will mean a lot to Bama.
3. Will Alabama have any inside game? I think it is fair to say that Moussa Gueye has
been very disappointing. Carl Gunderson was never going to be a big time player. He
could have been benefited from a red shirt freshman year. He needed more time to
develop. He is what he is, and what he isn't is a big time college player. He'll get
better. He isn't the answer. Nick Jacobs has had some real success as a college
player. He can actually play with his back the basketball. He's a power forward and
not a post player. I have a lot of faith in Carl.
- Right now, it is clear that Alabama is going to play small and hope that one of the inside layers can take step up. If that doesn't happen the Tide will not make not make it to the NCAA and finish in the upper division of the SEC. This is how a person close to the program put it to me - "I don't feel very good about this year." We exchanged some observations about the team and speculated about what Alabama do to be a better team
- Small ball is one way to go. Start Releford, Lacey, Cooper, Randolph, and Pollard. That means that Alabama has Levi Randolph and Andrew Pollard as primary rebounders. That doesn't seem plausible. The upside is that the team can run and press. It also means that Alabama will need additional guard help. Steele is a real bonus to this team. He's a special kind of player. After that, Retin Obasahon will have to play some meaningful minutes.
- Big ball is the second option. Alabama could put Gueye on the floor along with Jacobs. This would allow Nick to play more minutes and give us some offense inside. The downside is pretty clear - Bama can't press. Grant won't give up the press because he it is his best weapon.
- Keep playing the way we play right now. That is not going to work against better teams. I know the coaching staff is considering all options. If it were me coaching I'd be working with Devonta Pollard overtime. As things are we won't be a bad team, but I don't see a lot of success in the post season.
None of those options make me think that we are going to be world beaters. But the best option that we have is Anthony Grant. He is one quality big man away from having a team that can go a long ways to winning the SEC. We missed out on four quality recruits. Each told me that had narrowed their choices down to Alabama and who they signed with to play. I have a lot of faith in Grant. It isn't rebuilding a program. I said from the first day we got Coach Grant it will take 5 years minimum to elevate our program to a consistent top 20 team. Right now we have a lot of talent on the floor. None is big however. Against Oregon State we'll find out if speed can beat size and one 5-9 point guard who shoots lights out.
Hopefully, I'll be traveling to NYC if I can get my schedule squared away.
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