Outlook for the new Season...

Tide facing difficult schedule

     I think it would be a fair statement that Grant is closer to getting his type players on the floor this season.  The problem is that  a couple of those players are freshman, and another is going to replace Trevor Lacey. I've always been pretty optimistic about our teams. I'm almost optimistic about this years rendition but I am not getting my hopes up just yet. The second half of the season might produce some good ball playing however. Here's my view:

Trevor Releford is as good a point guard as you will find in the SEC.  The point is where you start in building a good team. This bodes well for Bama.

• Most coaches would then want a solid inside game. This is good and bad for the Tide. Jacobs has the experience to have some big game, but he really doesn't have the size to dominate. He is a defensive liability at times as well. Jimmie Taylor is going to be good when he gets some experience. In the mean time he can rebound and block shots. He can do that and Tide fans will be surprised at his inside game on defense. And then their is big Carl. He's back, he looks well, and he has improved. He isn't fancy. He is steady. Steady is what Bama needs inside. Look for Engstrom to start. This means Bama can move lefty over to the power forward and he can overmatch a few defensive players.

• Who takes the place of Lacey?  Retin Obsahan is the answer. Near the end of last season the Belgium  waffle started to send Lacey to the bench more and more. He is a very good defensive player and has made the jump to Division One speed and play now. He could be surprisingly good.

• Shooters?  Releford and Obsahan can shoot outside and both can finish off around the basket. So who else is going to help? Shannon Hale can be a big time scorer given some time. Look for Levi Randolph to continue to expand his shot numbers. 15 a game would be huge for Bama. It is also possible.

     Then you have to look at the schedule. Xavier, UCLA, and the NIT preseason, Robert Morris, Witchita State, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech makes for tough row to hoe. The NIT preseason is wild card. Bama has to play Florida, Arkansas, Missouri, Ole Miss, and arch-rival Auburn twice. They play Kentucky on the road but not at home. Bama's February tilts are really tough. In conclusion,  this year's schedule is much harder than last year.  On top of that you can look for a couple of the weaker teams to be much improved. Of course, you might also conclude that this gives Bama a real opportunity to get some national attention quickly.The UCLA game, even though it is televised, is a must see in person game to big time fans. Luckily, one my daughters live in LA and that great. Now to find a low price ticket in the middle of the holiday season.