TIDE BASKETBALL TURNING SOME HEADS IN RECRUITING

BAMA CLOSING TO ANOTHER HUGE COMMITTMENT?

BOLDEN IS TOP 15 PLAYER

 The national period for basketball recruits to sign is just around the corner. Tide fans should be proud of the efforts of Avery Johnson and his staff. They should also offer a pat on the back to T-Ferg, who is doing is best to get the five-star center, Marquis Bolden, to ink with the Tide. Two weeks ago I would have bet my last dollar it wouldn’t happen. After talking with several people who know Bolden, and seem to be in a position to know what’s going on with him, it seems possible that Bolden has put Bama on his consideration list.  At least one national recruiting guru, Jerry Meyers, who is the Director of Basketball Recruiting for 247Sports, picks Alabama as his final choice.

KEY IS A PLAYER AT HIGH AAU LEVELS

    I don’t think that should give Tide fans a sense of security. T-Ferg talks with MB frequently. Whether or not that means anything is hard to determine, but it doesn’t hurt. I think what that tells us is that Avery Johnson is using his basketball capital to convince young men he can help them get to the pros. After playing and coaching in the league for a couple of decades, it is probably true. Alabama is chasing Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas to get him in Tuscaloosa. That seems impossible doesn’t it? Well, that is what ‘Bama did with Terrance Ferguson. Then the Tide turned their sights toward Braxton Key. He was going to Vandy after he eliminated Duke, Kentucky, and Ohio State. Those are some schools who reside in high cotton. Key is likely to receive that 5th star soon.

       

T-FERG IS A SHOOTER

    So how is Bama doing this?  They are convincing you men to come to Tuscaloosa and be a part of something very special You take returning players (are good players by the way) and add Ferguson, Bolden, and Key to the mix and Tide fans can start to think about bigger and better teams. All three are top 100 players. Depending on which services you choose to believe they are all top 40 players. It would be fair to say that the Tide is a top 10 class. Add Bolden to the mix and it is a top 5. Some would argue that Bama would be a top 3. I don't know, and neither does anyone else. I will say it is a high class now, and could end up being better than great.


Jerry Meyer serves as a national scout and recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. He played at Lipscomb University where be became college basketball's all-time career assist leader. Meyer earned Mr. Basketball honors in the state of Tennessee as a high school junior and senior. He has served as an assistant coach at Vanderbilt and also co-authored the book, "Basketball Skills and Drills."