PLEASE QUIT HOPING...
One thing I've always learned about Alabama basketball is to expect disappointment. In the end, that is how it ends for Alabama basketball fans. Sure, there are moments of jubilation and excitement, but the conclusion is always the same. Over the years you become wary of hope. Hope springs eternal? At Alabama, all a hoop fan has is hope. A German philosopher once warned us that the reality of hope is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torment of men. It has been with me.
The sad truth about Alabama basketball is it falls just short of good and on the high end of mediocrity. What a horrible place to be. I often wonder why that's the plight of Alabama. How is it that the football program wallows in money and fame and basketball has never been more than a footnote? Several reasons I suspect, but all could be overcome by money, facilities, and hiring a basketball coach in the same category as Nick Saban. Make a list of the top ten coaches in America and hire one.
That also means building a modern, first-class basketball arena. It means paying a coach 7 million a year, give or take. I believe the giving side is more likely. The athletic department has the money. This might mean a little stooping and begging, in my opinion, to convince a coach to come to a football school. I remember telling Hootie Ingram two things in 1992. Coach made a mistake. He has given too much to the University to be summarily dismissed and would take 20 years to recover. I was wrong about the second part. We are now in year 26 of our famine.
Can Coach Johnson gets this turned around? I hope so. Let's look at the record -
1st year - 18-15 and a first-round loss in the NIT. I thought Johnson did a great job given the circumstances he found at 'Bama
2nd year -19-15, a winning record in the SEC, and the NIT
3rd year - 18-15, a losing record in the SEC as in year 1. But a great finish behind Collin Sexton. Two games in NCAA
4th year - 5-2 with losses to Northeastern and Georgia State. Neither are marquee names, but each was picked to win their leagues. The loss to GS was a debacle in the second half.
I suppose it would be fair to say if he wins 20 games and gets into the NCAA it would be successful. At least by Alabama terms. I remained stunned that the AD doesn't expect more. Johnson has had three seasons to recruit his type players. Johnson is personable has had a good coaching record in the NBA. It has not transferred to the college level.
He starts three-four star recruits and two five star recruits (taking the highest rating in any publication. Those type players should never give up a 22 point lead and have the sustained shooting problems the Tide experiences. I think it is fair to discuss what is going on in Alabama basketball. I think it helps Coach Johnson understand what is expected from his fans.
I am not trying to undermine Coach Johnson. We need results and not the hoopla. Winning brings results. Gimmicks sell a few tickets. Beating Arizona is a good team to begin winning again. Practice free throws is another. Stop putting the ball into the hands of terrible free throw shooters so often. Stop playing everyone on the team. Find 8 or 9 men and work 'em up some. I may be a redneck from Blount County, but even I recognize what isn't working.
Hire Wimp as a consultant. I can't stand to listen to him so upset on the radio or TV.
And for stellar half-time entertainment. We have the Red Panda this Sunday
One thing I've always learned about Alabama basketball is to expect disappointment. In the end, that is how it ends for Alabama basketball fans. Sure, there are moments of jubilation and excitement, but the conclusion is always the same. Over the years you become wary of hope. Hope springs eternal? At Alabama, all a hoop fan has is hope. A German philosopher once warned us that the reality of hope is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torment of men. It has been with me. The sad truth about Alabama basketball is it falls just short of good and on the high end of mediocrity. What a horrible place to be. I often wonder why that's the plight of Alabama. How is it that the football program wallows in money and fame and basketball has never been more than a footnote? Several reasons I suspect, but all could be overcome by money, facilities, and hiring a basketball coach in the same category as Nick Saban. Make a list of the top ten coaches in America and hire one.
That also means building a modern, first-class basketball arena. It means paying a coach 7 million a year, give or take. I believe the giving side is more likely. The athletic department has the money. This might mean a little stooping and begging, in my opinion, to convince a coach to come to a football school. I remember telling Hootie Ingram two things in 1992. Coach made a mistake. He has given too much to the University to be summarily dismissed and would take 20 years to recover. I was wrong about the second part. We are now in year 26 of our famine.
Can Coach Johnson gets this turned around? I hope so. Let's look at the record -
1st year - 18-15 and a first-round loss in the NIT. I thought Johnson did a great job given the circumstances he found at 'Bama
2nd year -19-15, a winning record in the SEC, and the NIT
3rd year - 18-15, a losing record in the SEC as in year 1. But a great finish behind Collin Sexton. Two games in NCAA
4th year - 5-2 with losses to Northeastern and Georgia State. Neither are marquee names, but each was picked to win their leagues. The loss to GS was a debacle in the second half.
I suppose it would be fair to say if he wins 20 games and gets into the NCAA it would be successful. At least by Alabama terms. I remained stunned that the AD doesn't expect more. Johnson has had three seasons to recruit his type players. Johnson is personable has had a good coaching record in the NBA. It has not transferred to the college level.
He starts three-four star recruits and two five star recruits (taking the highest rating in any publication. Those type players should never give up a 22 point lead and have the sustained shooting problems the Tide experiences. I think it is fair to discuss what is going on in Alabama basketball. I think it helps Coach Johnson understand what is expected from his fans.
I am not trying to undermine Coach Johnson. We need results and not the hoopla. Winning brings results. Gimmicks sell a few tickets. Beating Arizona is a good team to begin winning again. Practice free throws is another. Stop putting the ball into the hands of terrible free throw shooters so often. Stop playing everyone on the team. Find 8 or 9 men and work 'em up some. I may be a redneck from Blount County, but even I recognize what isn't working.
Hire Wimp as a consultant. I can't stand to listen to him so upset on the radio or TV.
And for stellar half-time entertainment. We have the Red Panda this Sunday
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