Tide is four point favorite today...

Kick-off, ‘er Tip-off at 11 this morning

The to face Stanford in round 2 of NIT

          I know there have been tons of 11 o’clock kick-offs, but for basketball that’s early. Here’s another way to look at it – if you are from Stanford, it’s only 9 in the morning. I know of no self respecting college student who even gets up from bed at that hour. Let’s hope that one player on the Cardinal team fits the late riser category. First-Team All-PAC 12 center Dwight Powell will be the most talented big man the Tide has faced this season. Moussey Gueye and Nick Jacobs just can’t keep up with Powell. The big man

is averaging 15.3 ppg and 8.5 rebounds in a good basketball league.

      Here’s the problem the Tide will face – DP is versatile. He can play outside and inside with equal success. Alabama has no one who can match up with him on paper. Not many teams would have a player to match up with the Stanford’s top dog. Can you imagine Gueye or Jacobs having to extend their defense to the three point line?  Grant knows he can’t do that. So look for Alabama to play their two-three match up zone to try to seal off the inside. If I were Grant make Powell beat me from the outside. Powell is also a terrific offensive rebounder. He can run the floor on the fast break. Seriously, he can lead the fast break. Stanford likes to score, but they have shown they can win against a Tide type offense. They beat SFA in a game where both team scored in the 50's

       Okay, it’s Saturday morning and it’s raining. It’s spring break. You don’t’ have a lot to do. Spend 9 bucks and come watch the Tide play Stanford. If you don’t want to do that, then spend the money and come watch a great basketball player.  When you watch him you might want to think about how good Alabama can be with such a player. Is it possible that we might be actually talking to a similar player?