Wow...

Alabama destroys Villanova
Tide blows out Big East team 77-55...

Releford enjoyed the Garden Party with
a career night

     Trevor Releford started his first game this season. He'll remember this night for a long time. Releford had a career high 25 points including a perfect and deadly 5-5 from downtown. On thursday night the junior point guard dazzled the Madison Square Garden crowd with his magical act in the paint. In the Friday night championship game, he was more like a surgeon. He sliced and diced the Wildcats with his outside shooting. Just to be well rounded he also took another couple bewitching trips down the lane for scores. It was a splendid night to be an Alabama basketball fan. Alabama left Tuscaloosa with a lot of unanswered questions. They will be leaving NYC as an impressive basketball team. Last season the Tide was a team that couldn't shoot straight. So far this season the Tide's outside shooting is marked by laser guided accuracy. Releford did the most damage to Villanova with those five bombs from Times Square. The junior from Kansas continues to impress everyone who seems him play. This kid is a winner.  His attitude is contagious. He is a team leader even if he is not vocal. He leads by example.     

Cooper celebrates his Friday night game
winner.

       If anyone still wants to doubt the quality of Alabama's recruiting class that produced Lacey, Randolph, Cooper, and Jacobs you've lost your argument. Levi Randolph may be the best pure athlete I've ever seen. Now he is starting to blossom as basketball player. Trevor Lacey had a great first game in the Garden. Rodney Cooper stepped up to hit a game winner. Nick Jacobs battle hard for two games against much taller post players and held his own. Levi Randolph did a little of everything. Randolph reminds me of a young T.R. Dunn, who was perhaps the best defensive player ever to play at Alabama. Randolph is so fluid it belies his quickness and power. He does all the dirty little jobs that win basketball games. He is always around the action. He causes chaos with his length and  hustle. If he came off the bench you'd be seeing the reincarnation of John Havlicek.

Engstrom fights for a rebound

        Two years ago I thought that Rodney Cooper might end up the best of the four. He's on track to be a really, really good player. The lanky sophomore had another solid game punctuated by big baskets. Last season he showed his potential against LSU. This season he seems to have settled in and his maturity shows. Releford and these four sophomores had the crowd at the Garden on their feet with a defense that had claws and teeth. Villanova was literally overwhelmed by Alabama's pressure and athletic ability. Only the officials, coupled with Trevor Lacey sitting on the bench for almost 15 minutes in the first half kept the game close. Lacey picked up two quick fouls and Grant chose to let him sit. Alabama held on and even increased a small lead. It was 29-26 at the break, but the bottom was going to fall out for the Wildcats in the second half. 77 points is a boatload for Grant's team. Holding the other team to 55 is just another nights work. The only blemish in a Crimson night was some poor free throw shooting. The Tide hit only 18-31 from the line. Alabama beat the Wildcats by 22 and missed 13 free throws. A few of those were the front end of a one and one.

      I have to admit to having some real doubts about this team. The lack of inside power will cause Alabama some real match up problems and a couple of wins this season, but the rest of the SEC is forced to reconsider just how good this team can be. I know my opinion has changed. Roll Tide.


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