ALABAMA NEEDS TO WIN A COUPLE OF SEC GAMES ON THE ROAD
POST SEASONS CHANCES DEPEND ON WINNING AT LEAST 17 OR 18 GAMES
'Bama goes to the Hump
Coleman may not Play
I think the excitement of Avery Johnson remains high, but the reality of where the Tide sits as a program is pretty obvious. We are a decent team, but we have a long way to go. Decent is not enough in Alabama Sports. Until a coach can take the Tide back to the standard set by the Rocket Eight, C.M. Newton, and Wimps Sanderson most Alabama fans will remain discontent. Johnson clearly has his work cut out for him. I think he's doing a great job and is probably winning as much as he can, given the talent he has available. The loss of Dazon Ingram hurt the playing rotation, the lack of progress by Michael Kessens has been disappointing, and the failure of Justin Coleman to live up to his high school ranking is surprising. In fairness, Coleman is suffering from turf toe and his mobility is limited. That probably hurts more than we understand, but his shooting is just short of the South Pole. Jimmie Taylor is good on defense, but his offense, though improving, isn't keeping coaches up late at night.
On the other hand, Riley Norris has turned into Mr. Reliability. Retin Obasahan is playing as good as any player in the SEC. Shannon Hale is picking up his game, and can be one heck of a player when he puts it together. Arthur Edwards is a pleasant surprise isn't he? The man can shoot the ball. The strength of this team is the guards. I'd throw Shannon Hale in the guard mix since he shoots so much behind the arc.
Next season the Tide has some excellent new players all of whom can shoot the ball. Terrance Ferguson, who is a top ten national recruit in four services. Brandon Key is a 6-7 combo forward who can offer the Tide some inside help. Perhaps the Tide's most intriguing new player is JUCO small forward, Armond Davis 6-6 , who is ripping it up out in Idaho. He has three-star rating, but I think that is because he is a real unknown. How did Bama get him? Johnson reached out to his network from the NBA and someone recommended him. Key is rated as a four-star player who is having a five-star year. I am still confused why Ferguson didn't sign. Some have said it was a grade problem. Tide coaches seem convinced he is coming.
On the road at the Hump...
Tonight the Tide travels to Starkville to take on a very game Mississippi State team. State hired Ben Howland who is biggest hire in the SEC since John Calipari. The three Final Fours in succession and one National Title are big achievements. Signing Malik Newman a top five national recruit was a great launching pad for future recruits. Gavin Ware, the post player, can overwhelm a lot of other centers. Taylor has his hands full. Weatherby. a less heralded freshman has played as good as any freshman in the league. And then of course is Craig Sword, a player I begged Grant to sign, is the team leader. He has had some back trouble but seems to be back on track.
State by 10
Vegas line: State 4/5
Final thoughts - Can Alabama keep State off the offensive boards? When they come close we win. When the differential gets into the embarrassment zone, we lose. Rule one in hoops is rebound. Rule two is protect the rock. Rule three is make your free throws, and Rule four is shoot a decent percentage from the floor.
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