How good is Pollard?

Pollard is going to stun you with his play...

     Comparing players is always tough. When you have watched as many Alabama games as I have been blessed to attend you see a lot of kids. I've been watching freshman come and grow for over 50 years now. In that time I've seen over a thousand Alabama games. I've been to more camps and AAU games than I can remember. I can honestly say that any Alabama player I have ever known was a decent person. Objectivity is an almost impossible standard. I'm going to try to put Devonta Pollard into some perspective based on my long history as an Alabama fan and blog writer.

     First of all, just to answer a question I am frequently asked - who is the best player you've ever seen play in the SEC?  Pete Maravich hands down. It's a lot harder to pick the top Alabama players. There are some obvious picks. Let me quickly say one thing - starting with the CM Newton teams through todays teamsI find no significant skill or talent level.When a player is still active you tend to think the skill level is higher in my opinion. Then, after the years and decades pass you tend to look at them as mythical figures. Setting aside bias is tough. Objectivity is a high standard. I also think players like Bob Andrews and Mike Nordholtz could play and star today. Andrews was perhaps the most dominant inside player and glass sweeper who ever played at Alabama. Nordholtz could have averaged a thousand with the three point line. The overall talent level when those two played was not what it is today. Players have evolved. The game has evolved. What is commonplace now might have even been imagined years ago. In the 50 plus years of watching Alabama basketball games there have been hundreds of good and great players. When you have personally attended over a thousand Alabama games you do get a sense of skill levels on a "historical" basis.

       So who do I think are the greatest freshmen players who ever hit the hardwood or that silly rubber stuff that was the passing fancy for a decade or so. You have to start with Leon Douglas. Grandpa was the transitional player in the history of Alabama player. He could have started when he was a tenth grader for the Tide. I'm sure that Alabama would have moved their program forward without Douglas, but with Douglas it was almost instantaneous. Douglas didn't ease Alabama into national prominence. He jerked it by the collar. I've give some special mention to Wendall Hudson as well. I don't Wendall would start for Alabama today though. His contribution to Alabama basketball is the stuff of myth and lore. In a broader sense Wendall Hudson is Alabama basketball, and in my mind he holds a special place. It bothers me when people criticize his coaching. He deserves better, but most Alabama fans really can't understand the credit he is due. Let me say this - Wendall was a brave young man in aye very dangerous time. He will always be my favorite player. If Reggie King was playing today he'd be the star. He had no outside shot. He played around the basket when there wasn't that stupid three point line. Back in Reggie's day the paint was no place for the timid or feint of heart. Reggie dominated the interior like no other player in Alabama history in the modern times. He just posted you low and destroyed you with his muscle and skill. Let me just mention a few names that come to mind who I didn't put in their category. Derrick McKey, Antonio McDyess, Buck Johnson, Eddie Phillips, and Robert Horry. Horry is perhaps the most complete player the Tide has ever played. I know there are plenty of players not mentioned here.

     But we are talking about incoming freshman and those players stick out. From a pure skill viewpoint James Hollywood Robinson and Mo Williams are near the top as well. I'd have put T.R. Dunn and Anthony Murry in that group if they could have scored. If Gary Waites hadn't suffered a devastating knee injury in AAU ball the summer before his first fall he'd been there as well. Trevor Releford falls in that category as well. His play at point guard was stunning for a true freshman. So where does Pollard fall in that long history of Alabama basketball freshman. Given my history of half a decade I can say he is the most talented freshman I've ever seen at the Capstone. We all need to remember that talent doesn't guarantee success. But in watching him play with current Bama players he is the best I've ever seen. The term dominating comes to mind.  He can outrun anyone on the team (I believe). He is quick as Trevor. You post him low and he outquicks you to the basket. Give him an outlet pass and he runs like a gazelle. He can also shoot from the outside. He is already a good defender bending toward great with some coaching from Anthony Grant. He could be one and done. I didn't think he was that good but watching him play with talented players he's the man. He is poetry in motion as the old saying goes. After writing all this about him I don't think I've fairly expressed just how good he is right now.

     You probably can name a dozen other incoming freshmen and put together a great list. My five are Douglas, King, Robinson, and Williams. McKey and McDyess are very close. If you picked them I would argue. The last name is Pollard. If Devonta reaches his potential he will be the player against all future Tide players are measured. The last player I saw who made me think along similiar lines was named Durant.

Pollard decides to Roll with the Tide...

Hoop star delays presser to 5:30 -

     I think this might be for real. The Fat lady has sung. There is no joy in Starkville, Austin, or the District of Columbia. Five star top 15 national recruit, Devonta Pollard is bringing his considerable basketball skills to the play with Anthony Grant. We’ve seen the videos and photographs. Thanks mucho to forum members who attended the actual emancipation of sinking expectations to give us all a first hand report. 

Some perspective...

       So let me try to put this into some actual prospective for those of you who still don’t like Grant. If Anthony Grant had been the captain of the Titanic it would not have sunk. The South might have won the Civil War, and our national budget might be balanced. Releford, Cooper, Jacobs, Lacey, Randolph, Taylor, and now Pollard. This is Alabama football type talent for the hardwood. These young men might not win a national championship in basketball while they are a group. They will come close though. When you can coach defense and get top recruits you will win SEC championships and perhaps more. 


       Pollard has a lot of upside. Keep in mind that he is small, although not skinny, and he hasn’t seen life in the SEC. SEC basketball is the place that turned a contact sport into a collision sport. Anthony Grant has turned the court into a place where the faint of heart can find no place to hide. Nolen Richardson would be proud. If Richardson gave the SEC “forty minutes of hell” then Grant took that concept to even lower regions of the devil’s domain.

Pollard said he decided today ... hmm? 

        The Kemper County, Mississippian said he woke up this  (Friday) morning and knew in his heart he wanted to play at Alabama. I think a fairer assesment is he wanted to play for Coach Grant. No doubt he likes Alabama, but there is even less doubt that Pollard and Grant see eye to eye on a lot of matters, not all basketball. As the Bard once wrote, “All’s well that ends well.” For Pollard he has the opportunity to play surrounded by great players. He will have time to hone and find his game. He will be just one of several big dogs on the floor. Time will tell how he will fit in with his new teammates. I know that to a man all current players are glad to have him on board. Let’s give him some time to adapt. He is going to be a good one. He may even turn out to be a great one. He is not going to dominate the SEC as a freshman. There are five star players, and then there is Anthony Davis. Pollard is no Davis. He may be the best player Alabama has signed since Mo Williams.  
   

DOES 'BAMA NEED POLLARD?

HE IS A GREAT TALENT, BUT...

    No doubt that Devonta Pollard is a great talent. So is Tony Mitchell, but as Dr. Phil likes to ask, "how's that working out for you?" The recruiting story of Pollard is one of the most interesting high school to college stories in recent memory. In the era of the 24 hour news cycle the Pollard story has become almost forgotten.  The longer the the story continues, the less enchanted 'Bama fans become with the five star recruit. That doesn't mean that disenchantment won't turn back into infatuation, however. Alabama has placed a lot of effort in recruiting the Kemper County star. Alabama needs the young man's considerable talents to have a more successful season later this year. 

      I suspect that Alabama will be a much better team with Pollard, but I'm not foolish enough to think we'd be a bad team without him. Trying to keep up with what's on this kid's mind is like trying to herd alley cats. You just can't do it. Supposedly, tomorrow afternoon at 5:00PM the five star acclaimed superstar will finally make is final decision known. I hope he picks the Tide, but I stopped holding my breath weeks ago. We should respect Pollards decision to take his time in making the correct season. If this young man doesn't want to attend the University of Alabama that is all right. The sun will rise on Saturday. The world will continue unabated. If he picks Alabama the same sun will rise, and life go on as well. 


     The Alabama coaches have already been informed of his decision, that happened on Monday of this week. All four or possibly five schools have been given the news, good or bad. Over the last two months I've personally spoken with a lot of local people who know this young man. They seem as baffled as anyone about what's going on. A month ago you asked anyone close to Kemper County and the general consensus of opinion was "Alabama" was top dog. Pollard and Coach Grant were at a softball game in T Town last week. They were  cheering the Tide, and seemed to be getting along just fine from my point of view. Then came this trip to Georgetown. That would be Georgetown of the Big East, and a great academic institution in our nation's capital. Tuscaloosa is a great place to call home. Georgetown's not to shabby though. We all tend to deify Tuscaloosa and anything Crimson. The Hoya's are not chopped liver, and carry a lot more weight in the world of basketball than Alabama. I don't think Texas carries anymore status in basketball than Alabama. Texas egos come in two sizes - giant and ridiculous. You'd have to live in Missouri to understand that those show me folks hold basketball in the same regard as Kentucky. Mississippi State is always loaded for bear, or bearer bonds, I get confused about which. LSU recruited Pollard's Big East recruiter to Baton Rouge. All this makes for interesting speculation. 


     A chance to play at Georgetown is downright intriguing however.  For a young man who grew up in Mississippi it might be more than intriguing. Same could be said for Austin, Texas. Tuscaloosa is a wonderful place. To most of us it is the national cathedral for sports. I'll say what I know, and leave it at that. Devonta Pollard heart wants him to attend Alabama. His head is telling him "not so fast." He's had plenty of time to slow things down and make an informed decision. I'm not going to waste your time in telling you all the reasons Pollard should come to Alabama. I'm not going to sing accolades about why he should go elsewhere.  The hay is in the barn on this one. The real players have been identified. 


     I'm going to play golf tomorrow at 2:00PM. I feel pretty certain about what is going to happen. I'll pass the mantle of constant worry to younger fans like Bunk, or more learned fans like good doctor. Do I feel good about tomorrow? Yes, I do. Am I betting the ranch on Alabama? No, I want.  I think Pollard is the quality type young man who might just drive to Tuscaloosa and tell Coach Grant he isn't coming to Alabama. Anthony Grant is the type person who would have appreciated the message in person. Heart or head? 




Back to Rodney and the Troops

TAYLOR COMMITS TO BAMA...

Fast rising Taylor is a nationally prominent recruit -

     For those who are now taking a foot out of their mouths nos is the time to say, "I was wrong." Not only that, but you are about to become a great deal wronger (sic) so to speak. Jimmie Taylor, out of Greensboro, says he is coming to Bama. No real surprise here. For those who had written off Anthony Grant get on the TiderInsider board and man up. Don't be surprised if the Tide gets additional some great news as the clock winds down on the late signing period.

     The signing of Taylor signifies to everyone in the SEC that Anthony Grant is not going away. When you sign a top 20 type national recruit you are doing something right. Stars have not been assigned to any 2013 recruits but Taylor will get as many stars as they hand out. At the annoucement that Taylor was Bama boudn I bet Coach Grant smiled. If things go as I expect then he might even laugh next week. Basketball is a fickle process. You can never take anything for granted. I'll be very surprised if Devonta Pollard doesn't announce for the Tide. Why hasn't he announced already? There is no drama being played out. No conspiracy theories need to be spun. DP is simply enjoying his day in the Sun. What the heck? The kid earned it.

    How much does the commitment of Taylor, who is 6-9 and weighs 229, have on Devonta Pollard. Hmm... I might argue that in two years the Tide will have fourth year starter at the point, some really good  outside shooters, a brutal power forward, a classy center named Taylor, and the best small forward in the deep south named Pollard who would round out the starting lineup. Pardon the drool falling on this page as I write that possibility. What will Grant be able to do with that talent?  His first year at Alabama he had one of the best seasons coaching I've ever seen.  Last season he coached a team that was falling apart at the seams. He found a way to keep them together and made the NCAA Tourament.  Despite all that many peeople were giving the man his pink slip. I don't know if Alabama will ever have a coach as good as Wimp Sanderson. Grant might hit that rarified air one day. You keep signing classes like Releford, Lacey, Jacobs, Taylor, Randolph, Cooper, and hopefully Pollard you have a chance to become a great coach. Maybe even a great enough coach that he will get the recognition he deserves with Bama fans.

DEVONTA POLLARD WEIGHS HIS OPTIONS

Pollard keeps fans on edge...

Pollard has made his mind up already

    I know that everyone is getting edgy about Kemper County, Mississippi super-star, Devonta Pollard. Devonta is driving fans crazy about where he is going to college. This wild idea crossed my mind regarding the young man. Why not just drive over to Mississippi and talk with the him. At least talk with his family.   I'm just messing with you. That is normally how I find out about what a kid has on his mind. It's just easier to ask them face to face.  I've done that for over 30 years and it's always worked.  (I didn't talk with him, but with some of his family in the end.)

   The McDonald High School All-American is the only recruit on the radar to fans of the University of Alabama. That's not true. Alabama has been recruiting other players, including a couple of JUCO players. I think it is fair to say that no one gets an offer (if at all) until Pollard makes his choice known. Through out all this roller coaster of a recruiting ride I've stuck to my guns - Alabama is on the top of his list. Pollard's family wants the young man to stay close to home. Both Pollard and his family have a good, no make that a very good relationship with Anthony Grant.  The question remains whether or not that relationship will lead him to the Capstone. Grant is in the middle of building something very special at Alabama. Pollard knows the two years or so he'd spend in Tuscaloosa could make a dramatic impact on the Tide. Pollard also knows that he'd have an impact anywhere he decides to play. Texas, Georgetown, and Texas are fighting to the bitter end to sign Devonta. MSU is never out of the picture with a Mississippi high school player. Missouri is fighting hard as well. The Tigers can offer the young man a lot. The early exit from the NCAA was a stunner for the Tigers, and to Pollard.  Georgetown is in the Big East. Pollard has a lot of choices. Texas has its own television network. In all fairness to Mississippi State, the Bulldogs have lost everyone, and that is not exactly the place to showplace your skills.

     So you have to do some deep thinking to justify why a kid like DP would go to Alabama. Other than being close to home what would those reasons be? According to a lot of Alabama fans the coach is horrible, the future is bleak, and the sky is about to fall. We all know those types of Alabama fans. Fans shouldn't be blindly loyal, but they should at least think through what they say and write. If anyone thinks that Anthony Grant can't coach they are mistaken. There is an old saying that you have to play the cards dealed to you. Grant chose not to do that with Green and Mitchell. That killed last season in one regard. It only caused me to double down on his character and coaching ability.  His thinking was long term and not expedient. I admire the man for that. So does Pollard's support group. The quesion in Pollard's mind is what can Alabama give me that other places can't. He already knows the answer. His mind is made up. I doubt he'll change his mind, but he could. The kid played at a smaller high school. His skills are remarkable. The jump to Division One ball will be difficult although he has more than held his own in AAU ball. Expectations will be huge if he signs with Alabama or MSU.

    The real problem that Alabama has with Pollard is not Pollard. The real problem is AAU people whispering in Devonta's ear. Grant doesn't like the way a lot of AAU coaches try to control their players. He undersands why an AAU coach would want to do so and have their moment (or more) I think he knows how to deal with that problem.  The thought of Pollard and Jacobs on the floor is exciting. Perhaps Alabama fans should not worry so much about Devonta's choice. I may be wrong. I might be misinformed. If Pollard makes the decision he'd like to make he would say Alabama. That's what his heart is telling him. Now  he has to get his head to agree.

    Unless something happens I'd place  my bets on Bama. Would I bet the ranch? Probably not but I'd ante up a thousand bucks or so.

The Mitchell Saga is over

Hankerson also asks for release...

Mitchell is will not return

     Despite repeated statements to the contrary Tony Mitchell has left the Alabama basketball team. In a mild surprise Charles Hankerson, Jr. has asked for his release. I'm not sure that Mitchell actually asked for his release. It may have been he was shown the door. Sometimes it felt like Tide fans were being held hostage by the talented Mitchell. Hankerson's decision was not based on any discontent but rather his realization that he wasn't going to get as much playing time has he wanted Hankerson was a good outside shooter, and the consummate team player. You could always count on his maximum effort both on or off the bench.  Mitchell started this season like a rocket and ended with a suspension. When asked if he would return, Mitchell repeatedly told those who would listen that he would be back. Reports of additional clashes between Grant, the stern disciplinarian, and Mitchell, the rebellious player, continued to surface. One report revealed  Mitchell defamed Grant's mother, and a near fight almost ensued.  I'm not sure whether that was true, but if so, Mitchell had to leave. 

Sad period of finally over..

Hankerson wants to transfer for more time on floor

     What could have been a special season died with the suspension of Mitchell and Green. However, a new nucleus of young leadership emerged and the Tide still made the NCAA. Grant has caught a lot of criticism at the end of the season with talk of underachievement. That was silly and coming from the mouths those who didn't know enough about basketball to appreciate the remarkable job of not only keeping his team together, but seeing them improve to the point that an NCAA bid was received. Hankerson was not a part of that negativity. He was a leader who always kept a positive attitude and made a contribution of why this season ended on a positive note. Now Grant has three scholarships to offer. One thing that Coach Grant can offer is a lot of early playing time. Losing Grant and Mitchell in the same class will not be easy to overcome. It is kind of ironic that losing a team player like Hankerson comes while losing a bad egg like Mitchell comes at the same time. Some reports have Hankerson transferring to FIU. Where Mitchell goes is beyond me. 

Final Four has some good, bad, and ugly

The Louisville vs. Kentucky game ...



  I have a great deal of respect for Rick Pitino. He should be the National Coach of the Year for getting that rag-tag bunch in the Final Four. I have no respect for John Calipari who has seen every stop he's coached find their way to probation. I have the greatest admiration for Joe Dean, Jr. What's he done at my alma mater is magnificent. But if he really doesn't think that Calipari is cheating he's just doing fellow coach speak to protect the coach. It something stinks just follow the odor. UMass -Memphis-Kentucky. Maybe I'm wrong.Perhaps Calipari has been misunderstood. He's just a lamb in a pack of wolves.

    Now, it should be said that he had assistant coaches fall on their swords when things started to get heated, and then he just left the school that was going to the NCAA dunking pool.Example?  Not only was Memphis superstar Jalen Rose not eligible to play at Memphis he didn't even take the SAT or ACT. Seriously, do you think that the head coach had no idea. The whole Calipari situation is a black eye on a sport that already is so full of cheats I bet most coaches don't take their billfolds to national meetings. Tomorrow do I pull for the SEC or a man I really think is one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history?  I might pull for the SEC but it is so hard to pull for Calipari or even for Kentucky who sold their soul to the devil to win. If you want to know about the integrity of the Kentucky Atheletic program you don't have to go past Calipari. Calipari is a great coach. It's a shame he doesn't have enough faith in himself to play by the rules. Once at UMass was bad. Then came proud Memphis State. It was at that point the NCAA should have kicked him out of the profession for couple of years. Instead, one of the greatest basketball programs hired him, and at least to me anything they do with Calipari just doesn't count. If you are a UK fan I'm sorry. I think you stooped beneath your proud tradition in basketball. If you think that I'm being harsh on Kentucky they deserve it. Alabama  hired Nick Saban and he doesn't cheat. He goes by the book.

    Kentucky should win the game tomorrow by double digits. The Cardinals just can't match up with the Wildcats, and must have solid gold performances from their guards, and play mean on the inside. I think that the phyisical nature of Louisville gives them a chance. It seems that Kentucky gets a little intimidated at times. You can count on Pitino to eliminate the effectiveness of Kidd-Gilchrist, Teague, or Davis.

   On the other side of the bracket is Ohio State and Kansas. Who cares? State is favored but Kansas is playing well. The JayHawks have some surprising losses this season. Not exactly the  type of performances that you expect from a final four team. Ohio State is a better team if they quit shooting so many three point shots and take it insider. 

     If Kentucky  can shake off the jitters that their freshman will feel they should win it all. Freshman have a strange way of doing stupid things in the final four - such  as calling time out when you don't have  one. Truthfully, after Alabama got beat my attention started drifting toward spring football and the Masters. I've rarely miss any Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, or Final Four games. This year has been different. I truly believe that Kentucky is just a bunch of under the table professionals, and school means nothing to them. If winning is everything then Kentucky is your team. If you like to root for the underdog they Louisville has some bite. If you believe in solid play and perhaps the greatest tradition in college hoops go rock chalk. If none of those mean anything to you, go play golf, or watch if you like. As far as I am concerned a Calipari coached team is just not relevant.