tide seeks win number seven

RICHMOND IS VERY GOOD...

     The Spiders are always competitive and they have been for a long time. I think Alabama should beat Richmond, but it probably will not be easy. Richmond is an excellent basketball program, but Alabama is getting better.  How good the Tide becomes remains to be seen, but the Nat Oats brand of basketball is pretty impressive. Add Q, Rojas, and Gary to this team and the Tide would be a top-four SEC team in my opinion. The Oats five-out offense is innovated and a lot of fun to watch. If the Tide can cut down on the turnovers and rebound better the wins will add up. 

         Bama is coming off an impressive win over Belmont. Don't confuse Belmont with Kentucky though. In March, Belmont will probably be invited to the Big Dance. Richmond might make it as well. AOL.COM recently suggested that the win over Belmont was a signature win. That was pretty funny in my opinion. Nat Oats knows that a signature win will be over a highly ranked team. Such win will announce a step up for the Tide. John Wooden once said that a team reaches the top in different steps. First, you win your home games, and perhaps whip a bid dog in the process. Next, you win some road games. Next, you win all your home games and most of your road games. Then you win championships. I think he was correct. This was before the NCAA allowed a one-year professional amateur (so to speak).

        Bama is still in step-one but a win over Richmond would be Wimp-like sweet. I think the Tide will be 4 point favorite. It could be as much as six. I like Tide by 8.

tide must do all the little things...

 

  Beating the team that beat Duke would be a pretty good win for the Tide. I'm surprised that Alabama is a 12 point favorite. At this point I'm surprised that Alabama would be a 12 point favorite over anyone. That's no insult to Coach Oats or his players. The Crimson Tide has had more bad luck than any team might overcome. Pat on the back for the effort that Alabama has shown so far. Alabama just doesn't have enough bodies to sustain a fast paced offense for a long season. I don't blame Oats for using his system. He's attempting to change the culture of Alabama basketball. He's trying to install his system. This wide open run and gun offense should attract some big time recruits in the the future. Oats has already convinced one big time player to come to Tuscaloosa.

    Tonight, two high powered offensive teams will hit the floor. It should be a fun game to watch. I've driven from Tuscaloosa to watch it. That's a long drive to see a team with a losing record. Why? I think the future of Alabama basketball is going to get better. It will be better than Avery Johnson and Anthony Grant's tenures? Will Oats be better than C.M. Newton and Wimp Sanderson ? We'll know in a couple of more seasons. One thing I believe. The league is better overall than when either Wimp  or C.M. was the Tide head coach We won't know this year but this team will make some progress if they can do a couple of things. 

1. Turnovers are killers. Kira Lewis, Jr. is a turnover machine because it seems he feels he has to carry the team. He doesn't. He only has to distribute the ball with some common sense, understand he can't always take the ball to the hoop,  and just take a few mid-range jump-shots.

2. Rebounding is always important. The problem is that Bama just doesn't have any animals inside. That is not going to change this season. John Petty is our best rebounder, and that should tell us all something.

3.  Beetle Bailey needs more big time games. In the last game Bailey showed us some shooting skills, and I thought settled the team down some. Is it possibl that Bailey plays the point and Lewis plays the two more now? That's an idea.  

4. Bama has done a better job from the line. Free throws are important. 

    The little things always win or lose basketball games. Cut down on the turnovers, take better shots, play tougher defense, and hit the glass the best you can. If Bama can settle down and do those things they will win some games. Right now, they seem hell bent on running full speed per the coaches instrutions. That's okay. But some the players need to remember to think as well as run. Roll Tide.

   

ONCE AGAIN THE NCAA MISSES THE MARK...

    I don't have much respect for the NCAA. They are arbitrary, capricious, and basically a waste of time.  LSU head coach admits to offering a bribe to a high school player and he still is the head man the Tiger sideline. Jahvon Quinerly, who transferred to Alabama from Villanova saw his petition to play this season denied by the NCAA. A pox on the entire house of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. North Carolina offered fake classes to players. North Carolina and their players escaped punishment. Are you kidding me? So, the NCAA rules that's okay, but JQ doesn't fit any exceptions which allows a player to transfer and play immediately.  He had no sick family members and he was nor sick himself.  He had been pushed out by a coaching staff by egregious behavior, or threatened with reduced or no playing time. He and his family did nothing wrong. The were defamed by a con man. 

       A federal judge made it clear that JQ and his family did nothing wrong in the scandal. They had been accused of taking money but that did not happen. Instead of attending Arizona where he had hope to play, he switched to Villanova. Villanova fans didn't want him. Arizona fans despised him for not wanting to stay in out West. After a miserable season at Villanova he transferred to 'Bama. I don't think most Alabama fans understand why he picked Alabama. First, it was because he liked the coach and school, but wanted to follow a great tradition of point guards. That's why he picked Arizona. And it is also why he considered the Tide. The combo of coaching and point-guard tradition helped him make the decision to come  to Alabama. 

       JQ got so depressed from what had happened to his life he sought the help of a therapist. The move to Villanova and his very supportive family were not enough to get him back on the right track. His grades dropped which must be  devastating to a National Honor member. None of  that mattered to the NCAA. I was disappointed that Alabama did not seek a legal remedy. That's above my pay grade I suppose, but JQ is the poster child for someone who should be allowed to play immediately.  There was no ambiguity in this young man's case. This was just a decision that should embarrass the NCAA. 

TIDE GETS NICE WIN OVER FURMAN...

 

   Furman is good basketball team. They don't have a big national reputation, but are a mid-major power. At the end of the season it will  recognized a big win. The Tide was led by freshman Jaden Shackleford.  The lefty knocked down 25 points included three 3 points shots. He was also  8/10 from  the free throw line. Kira Lewis and John Petty had 19 and 16 respectively. Javian Davis chipped in 10. The Tide had 21 turnovers, and Coach Oats said that keeps the Tide's offensive flow a problem.  Alabama had 13 in the first have but reduced the number 8 in the half two. Lewis had 7 turnovers which is far too many for the gifted sophomore team leader. 

TIDE HAS TWO BIG GAMES BEFORE NORTH CAROLINA...

   Nate Oats is starting his career at Alabama with a short-handed roster.  This season is going to be tough for any new coach in a league with outstanding talent and coaches. It will be very interesting to see how Alabama finishes the year.  My bet is that Oats and his team will be a pleasant surprise. That doesn't mean the Tide will be one of the top teams in the SEC. I don't think Alabama will be a bottom dweller either. What this season might show us is how Oats will do in a couple of years. 

      The loss to Penn was tough. All one point losses are hard to swallow. Keep this in mind  - Penn may very well win the Ivy League this season. The Tide then ripped through Florida Atlantic. The Owls are were predicted near the cellar in Conference USA. This week the Tide travels to Rhode Island.  They are predicted to finish in the top four. The A-10 is a good basketball league. It isn't a guaranteed win for 'Bama. After Rhode Island the Crimson heads to Nassau to play  North Carolina.  Can Alabama beat North Carolina. After watching Evansville beat Kentucky at Rupp anything is possible. 

     I am putting no expectations on Oats except to see his team play hard and execute the best they can. After watching Javian Davis use 240 lbs to dominate Florida Atlantic in the paint it would go a  long way to some inside presence. Alabama has no senior players on their squad. I'd have to wait until the end of the season to see if either Lewis or Petty turns professional. 

• Jaden Shackelford is going to be really key player for the Tide this season.
• Outside shooting has been spotty at best. It should improve
• Turnovers are too high or is that inherent his  this offense?
• Beetle Bolden settle down and show provide leadership. He is grad transfer
• The Tide will be a better team when Herb is back. 

     

Expectations for ‘Bama Basketball…

     We’ve all been down this road before. New Coach. High Expectations. Every Alabama basketball fan wants Nat Oats to be the man who fulfills our dreams of making the Tide a power in college basketball. It is hard to blame anyone for dreaming big. That’s what I do.  In reading the posting  board it is apparent that ‘Bama fans have high hopes. Is this going to different with this coach or just another verse of ‘been there and got the tee shirt’?

     I think this might be different. Coach Oats is an intriguing hire. He was the most successful mid-major coach in the NCAA. His conference record was 31-5 at Buffalo. Had he stayed up North he would have added to his rocket-like start in college basketball. Yep, I think this might indeed be different, but…  The SEC has the most impressive list of basketball coaches than any league in the NCAA. Kentucky is still the King of the SEC but things are changing. Auburn making its way to the Final Four is the perfect example of that change. Your team might be significantly better but that doesn’t mean your record will be significantly better. Alabama might be a better team this season than last and that may not lead to more wins.

     I know some faulted me for my guarded opinion of Coach Oats when he was hired.  My opinion is my opinion. Think what you like but never doubt my love of Alabama basketball. I hope Oats is all we hope for, but in all honesty we won’t  know for at least a couple of years whether or not the hire was a good one or not.  I believe it was an excellent hire given all the attendant circumstances that finding a coach at a football school entails. So, first I give our new Coach a red badge of courage for taking the job. When you come to Alabama as any coach other that football you are at best the second fiddle. There might be some benefit to a new basketball coach in name recognition. Alabama certainly has that. Secondly, Oats must be a very self-assured person to take the job at Alabama. I’ll give him that as well.

     He also has re-ignited a fire I haven’t sensed since Wimp Sanderson was our coach. So, that would be the third positive I recognize in Oats. His new offense is fun to watch and  some will call it radical. Nonetheless,  it gives the Tide an advantage on teams with more talented players.  I’ve found several Buffalo games on the net and they are fun to watch. The offense was very effective. The approach is unique to say the least. It takes a desperate or self- assured person to run the offense. Coach Oats doesn't seem to have one iota of desperation in his idea. 

    He can recruit. He got Rojas to forgo UCLA, Arkansas, and others to follow Oats to ‘Bama. The young man had announced he wanted to go to Buffalo. He wanted to play for Coach Oats. That says a lot about him. Same for Q. He could have gone anywhere to play ball but he wanted to play for Oats. So did Lewis and Petty. Those guys are a pretty great recruiting class. Add the three who announced for Bama and Johnson, and who stuck with Oats after Johnson left. . That is one heck of a recruiting class. So let’s add good recruiter to his positive list.

      I’ll be honest in saying not having an inside enforcer in the paint worries me. But one thing is clear – backing up the three-point line opens up the floor and creates more space for smaller and quicker players. Bottom line for me is I want to see some wins. I’ll also say I think we will see them. Losing Rojas, and the promising Gary to injuries will hurt.  Jahvon Quinerly, a five-star high school player, is still hoping the NCAA gives him the go ahead to play this season. Shackelford is going to be a key player and is ready for Division-One ball. Forbes can fill it up. I believe that Tide may have found their coach. Let’s see what happens. The new coach talks the talk. He is level headed. My bet is he walks the walk as well. We will see. Penn is picked as the number 2 team in the Ivy League. This will be a stern test for the Tide. I like Bama by 6. 

     Year three will give us an answer. Year one might give our hope so legitimacy.  

BAMA LOSES A SECOND PLAYER TO AN ACL INJURY…

       If it wasn’t for bad luck, Nat Oats and the Alabama basketball team would have no luck at all. Juwan Gary, the Tide’s highest-ranked freshman, underwent knee surgery on Thursday and will miss his freshman season. JG will still have four years of eligibility at Alabama. James Rojas, the 6-8 JUCO 1^st team All-American tore his ACL earlier this summer. The pair were considered to be top players in Oat’s new offensive game plan. Each of these Tide players is extremely versatile.  Versatility is important in the run and shoot offense Nat Oats brings to Tuscaloosa.

     Oats has gained strong support from the Tide faithful.  The loss of two big parts of his roster will make Oat’s job even more difficult, and it was a pretty tough already.  At times it seems the Alabama basketball program is cursed. The SEC is may have the best coaches, top to bottom, in the NCAA. Oats needs a few things to break his way. I am impressed with Coach Oats. He says all the right things. He seeming does all the things to make a program successful. Convincing Kira Lewis and John Petty to stay with  Alabama was big. Their choice to remain at Alabama was like signing two five-star recruits to Oats. The comments made by potential recruits and the families of those recruits are impressive.

     Coach Oats does the one thing a coach needs to do in recruiting. He gets a top-notch five-star 

players to listen to what he says.  An example is Isiah Jackson. Jackson is a five-star and has three schools in his final three. Alabama, Kentucky, and Syracuse are hoping to ink thee 6-9 PF. I think Bama is the team to beat right now. Just to be in the final three with schools like Kentucky and Syracuse is big news for ‘Bama. If you listen to what the player and his family say you get a good understanding of why Oats is making some noise. The player likes the offense, the opportunity to play early, and believes that the coach has his best interest for his future. The father has said some great things about ‘Bama and lauds Oats.  I have talked with five players being recruited by Alabama.  Stay tuned for some other news next week. Bama leads at this point for two five-star players.

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TIDE GOES TO 5-0 BUT...

        Light your torches. I fully expect many of you to flame me again. After five games it is clear that Alabama has some serious defensive problems. The only real question Tide fans need to concern themselves with is whether Tua and company can outscore every team on the schedule.

        Hats off to offense once again. Tua Tagovailoa had another afternoon that showed the nation what a great quarterback plays for Alabama. Despite the fact, that Devonta Smith, one of the Four Amigos, setting receiving records for touchdown passes in a game, an uneasiness won’t about this team won’t go away. The defense isn’t even average.  The defense is simply bad.

       It isn’t just the linebackers who are young and lost.  The defensive line isn’t playing well. Anferee Jennings had an outstanding day. Finally, Raekwon Davis looked better. Despite those two having 17 tackles between them the Ole Miss Rebels ran the ball for 276 yards. The Rebels had 476 total yards for the day including 25 first downs.  Alabama gave up 88 offensive plays. I don’t care how much Crimson Kool Ade you drink, those are unacceptable for a team who wants to win another National Championship.

      I thought the defensive backs played well. The Rebels outfought Tide defenders for a couple of jump ball passes but any team will lose some of those. The defense gave up far too many yards to a   freshman quarterback who merely kept the ball and attacked the edges of the Tide defense. Alabama is now 5-0 on the season. Luckily, the Tide has an open date next week to see if some of the problems can be addressed. Perhaps all college defenses are a dying breed. The offenses have been given too many advantages by the rules committee. Or perhaps, Alabama doesn’t have a defense that can stop anyone. Let’s be  honest. The Tide has played five bad football teams. The good teams are coming up. LSU and Auburn are coming up. Texas A&M is on the road, and Kellen Mond is a dual threat quarterback. I don’t even know if Alabama will make it to the SEC Championship game unless the defense steps it up. I think the defense can get better. I hope offensive line improves. Still, it seems to me that the best hope for Bama is that offense just keeps it up.

        Light your torches. I fully expect many of you to flame me again. After five games it is clear that Alabama has some serious defensive problems. The only real question Tide fans need to concern themselves with is whether Tua and company can outscore every team on the schedule.

        Hats off to offense once again. Tua Tagovailoa had another afternoon that showed the nation what a great quarterback plays for Alabama. Despite the fact, that Devonta Smith, one of the Four Amigos, setting receiving records for touchdown passes in a game, an uneasiness won’t about this team won’t go away. The defense isn’t even average.  The defense is simply bad

       It isn’t just the linebackers who are young and lost.  The defensive line isn’t playing well. Anferee Jennings had an outstanding day. Finally, Raekwon Davis looked better. Despite those two having 17 tackles between them, the Ole Miss Rebels ran the ball for 276 yards. The Rebels had 476 total yards for the day including 25 first downs.  Alabama gave up 88 offensive plays. I don’t care how much Crimson Kool-Ade you drink, those are unacceptable for a team who wants to win another National Championship.

      I thought the defensive backs played well. The Rebels outfought Tide defenders for a couple of jump ball passes but any team will lose some of those. The defense gave up far too many yards to a   freshman quarterback who merely kept the ball and attacked the edges of the Tide defense. Alabama is now 5-0 on the season. Luckily, the Tide has an open date next week to see if some of the problems can be addressed. Perhaps all college defenses are a dying breed. The offenses have been given too many advantages by the rules committee. Or perhaps, Alabama doesn’t have a defense that can stop anyone. Let’s be honest. The Tide has played five bad football teams. 

    The good teams are coming up. LSU and Auburn are coming up. Texas A&M is on the road, and Kellen Mond is a dual-threat quarterback. I don’t even know if Alabama will make it to the SEC Championship game unless the defense steps it up. I think the defense can get better. I hope the offensive line improves. Still, it seems to me that the best hope for Bama is that offense just keeps it up.

Life in Mississippi...

    

      I lived in Mississippi when I was young. Each time Alabama plays Ole Miss in football or basketball in brings back memories. I love basketball. It isn’t easy being a round ball man in an oblong ball land. Don’t get me wrong. I like Alabama football, but my heart beats a little stronger when the Tide takes to the hardwood. Loving basketball isn’t the standard bill of fare in the Deep South. Down here, football is king. There is no doubt about which sport rules the unique area we call home. And there was no doubt my family were 'Bama fans. 

    Basketball has always been my favorite game.  I learned to play hoops in Jackson, Mississippi. My family wasn’t rich. We weren’t poor, but there wasn’t a lot of money to spend on extra things.  Back then, your mother opened the back door to let you out to play with your friends after breakfast. She said don’t coms home before lunch or be back by dark. The difference in me and the kids on my block was I had a basketball tucked under my arm and not a football.   All the white kids played football. I played basketball. We lived a block or so from the black neighborhood. It was literally across the railroad tracks. Most of my friends were black because of basketball.  We played basketball on asphalt courts. The rims had no nets.

    When I was eight,  a couple of older black kids said I shouldn't play with them because I was white. They told me it was better to play with the white kids. I told them it didn't matter.  Eventually, I was just another kid who wanted to play basketball. The white kids called me names, said some things I  will not write here. My mother and father explained this was the way the world was. But our family treated everyone the same and told Mississippians what we believed.    It was a good lesson to learn in 1955. It wasn’t a popular one, however. That was 64 years ago. The world hasn’t changed as much as it could have.  People still hate. Ignorance abounds, but hope lives on. Basketball taught me a lot more than making baskets.  I’m still that little kid that goes outside with a basketball under his arm. You can’t see that basketball, but it’s there.  I still hear my parents telling me that everyone is my brother and sister.  I still know most of my black buddies from that asphalt court. We talk from time to time, mostly at funerals now.  They still call me “little cracker”.  Back in 1955, I learned to shoot the rock from downtown, dribble behind my back, and throw a no-look pass. It was a magical year in more ways than one. 

Coach inks a five-star transfer …

     Yesterday, Nate Oats pulled off a stunner. He signed Jahvon Quinerly, a five-star Parade All-American guard who is transferring from Villanova. A lot of us had been told this was a strong possibility a month or so ago. A week ago, we knew it would happen. 

      It is difficult to put into words exactly how much progress that Oats has made since coming on board at Alabama. Jelly, as Quinerly is known by his friends, is one heck of a player. Don't be fooled by his limited play at 'Nova. This kid is going to make Alabama a better player. I have been told his time at Villanova was difficult. The Eastern team played a very structured offense that was centered on great shooters. Great shooters lead to a lot of points. Jelly, can shoot the rock. He is a perfect fit for Oat's four out and one in offense. 

      If the young player can get his NCAA waiver approved Alabama's offense is set to take off. I can visualize the Tide's offense. My hunch is Alabama will have two point guards on the floor, two forwards who can shoot it, and one inside player. Rumor has it that Alex Reese has an inside edge to be the inside player. Why? He can shoot from the outside. Honestly, I have no idea how this offense is going to look, but it's going to be wide open. 

Roll Tide Roll 

Way, way to early report on Nat Oats...

     Before a single game has been played, before a single basketball has been scored, and before we've seen Nat Oats coach a single game, I'm going to grade him on what we have seen so far.

1. Oates accepting the Alabama jobs convey s a message to Tide fans  he thinks the program can succeed, and

2.  He told us what caused him to leave his Buffalo program which was becoming highly successful, and

3. He brought a First-Team JUCO All-American with him from that program

4.  He signed a dynamic guard from West Virginia which will be a welcome addition to the team.

5.  His player from Buffalo waited until a player chose LSU and a highly controversial coach. That speaks highly of the loyalty of James Rojas. Don't think for a minute that Oates was going to sign that kid. Now he doesn't have to create a space.

6. He recruited Petty and Lewis and insured that they would play at Alabama. Those are two five star kids.

7. His staff has faith in the new Coach. That is important.

8. He is beating the recruiting bushes for five-star recruits and transfers. They all have national prominence.

9.  This man is fired up. He is ten-star fired up. 

10. His Buffalo teams hold themselves accountable for their effort on the floor. 

Those are 10 things I find significant before Coleman Coliseum is filled for game one. Now we will see how this hard work pays off. He has some talent. If a post player develops in this offensive sets the Tide will have a good team.  I think he'll have one, and don't be surprised if it is a Freshman.


The thing that excites me most is the concept of the team first. 

Mack is out. Opens a spot. Good luck to a well-traveled young man. 

Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn...

     Count me totally unimpressed with Trendon Watford and horse he rides out of town on. I am so glad to get rid of the punk. He transferred from his high school to Mountain Brook. I went hmm... Now he goes to LSU. Double hmm... He'd better to highly successful at LSU because he is finished in the State of Alabama. 

          His ego outweighs his common sense.  He selects a school the entire basketball world believes pays for players. Why would he do that? It is really simple. He doesn't give
a tinker's damn about what anyone else thinks or believes.  That might be good in some situations. Not this one. What was that old song? "Take the money and run?" And that is what makes him totally unsuitable to play for Nate Oats. Oats is about the team and hard work. Harsh words? Perhaps, they are. True words? History will tell. If Will Wade was able to keep working despite the leaked FBI wire, it says a lot about the SEC, NCAA, and the players LSU recruits. Time will tell. 

           Alabama just signed JUCO First-Team American, James Rojas. That is no small feat. He committed to Oats at Buffalo and now has a chance to play at Alabama him. The 6-8 forward is a gazelle on the fast break. He is exactly what Oats needs for his four out and one in style offense. Huge signing for the Tide. More to follow on James later.

Watford Alabama, Memphis, and LSU
     My old Memphis basketball buddy, the knower of all things Tiger, told me an interesting story. He said the info flying around Memphis is that Watford was waiting on Precious to decide where he would attend. Was Watford told he had an offer only if the latest Memphis commitment went elsewhere?  Princes Achiuwa picked Penny's number 1 recruiting class this season. I have no idea if this is true. But, it is interesting that it has gained traction with Tiger fans. By my count, Memphis has one spot left. I could be wrong. 

        I think LSU has him. If Watford picks LSU it will forever be tucked in the minds of basketball fans whether he has already turned pro. I'm not saying he has been paid, nor do I have any information to support that question. The LSU coach was caught on tape talking about making a big-time offer to an LSU player. Later, another LSU player is involved with some type of payment. LSU suspends Wade. Wade hires a lawyer who puts the stranglehold on LSU. Wade is reinstated with a couple of new provisions regarding LSU ability to fire him for "cause" if Wade is ever found in violation of level one and two offenses by the NCAA. 

     Perhaps Watford is waiting to see if Wade is found in violation. If he is a one and done player he would be long gone before the NCAA makes a ruling. Even an expedited hearing could be prolonged to allow Wade to have a fair hearing.  I'd repeat what I've written before. I am not sure he is a one and done. 

     Here is the problem with all one and done players. They are already pros. None are amateurs in a strict sense. They have been wined and dined in AAU basketball. AAU basketball is a cesspool of wrongdoing. If the NCAA  really wanted to clean up basketball they need to eliminate AAU involvement however possible. I don't think the elimination of AAU basketball is a constitution issue so to speak. The NCAA is a private club for members. Fortunately or unfortunately players fall into the same category as the schools. College basketball isn't about amateur sports.  It is about money, ego, and selfishness far too often. Not everyone should be painted with a broad brush, and I'm sure a lot of players are involved in pursuing an education. But it is not just the money paid under the table to players. Greed is widespread. 

    The truth is that NCAA football and basketball have gotten out of hand. High School players should be allowed to go straight to the pros if they are able. I see no reason to have colleges and universities be a developmental league. We all want to see our favorite teams win. Is there a point where all involved should take a more honest and moderate approach to NCAA sports? If we want non-professional sports we can have them. If colleges are driven by wanting to make money they need to form some kind of minor league system with the professional teams. Today's system is ripe with corruption and the NCAA seems to be okay with the fact. So do college administrators.  So do fans. We all have our fingers in the proverbial pie. 

Let's find good four year players...

    I love watching Sexton playing basketball. He was a wonder on the hardwood. He is one of a kind. Not only was he a great player he was an excellent student. He has been an ambassador for the Alabama basketball program. If you sign a player like Sexton it is a once in a lifetime event. Trendon Watford? Not so much in my opinion. 

    Watford is a very good basketball player. He will help any team he chooses. I hope Alabama lands him, but I doubt they will. And frankly, I don't care. He isn't a Sexton or a Zion. I doubt he is one and done. I strongly doubt he is a one and done player. Maybe he'll make me eat crow and I've dined on the black bird before. I wish him luck. Everyone that knows him says he is a wonderful person. If he stays in state he might become  a legend. if he goes out of state he is done in this state. I'm not saying that's fair, but it is true. If he goes to Memphis it will be interesting. If he goes to LSU he will be the most hated basketball player in Alabama. Antonio Lang left state  and virtually now one knows who is was, or is it better to say who he is?  That is sad for Lang, but there is only one team for Bama fans. Bama fans are not objective and not reasonable. They have no desire to be. 

   Gonzaga became a national power with a new coach and four year players.  I  think Bama might try that. Alabama shouldn't have to beg five star in state players  or hit the hardwood in Tuscaloosa. Rick Barnes did just fine in Knoxville with no five star players. Cole is going to UCONN. It was remarkable that Oats got him on campus. Rojas is a first team JUCO All American. Sign him if he is still interested. End the circus. Alabama can use him. I'd love to have him. I'd love Watford as well. 

    Today is the final day of basketball signing. Thank God.

U of A Athletics puzzles me...

     Do you ever wonder why the University of Alabama has the greatest football program in collegiate history and can't excel in any other sport? It is riddle wrapped up in a mystery in a puzzle. How can the baseball team and the basketball teams lag so far behind football? It is possible that the reason is because of the football program. Can an AD live off the laurels of football and not really worry about other sports? 

    It is true that other sports have had a day or two in the sunshine. They've had an occasional cup of coffee, but mainly it seems to be average at best. The women's basketball program is not improving. The baseball team has a new coach and things seem to be about the same. (perhaps more time will help the hardball), and men's basketball is ho-hum. I know. The new coach will be the salvation of all things round and we will be a top twenty program. We'll see about that. I almost hope that Trendon Watford goes elsewhere because the expectations would go through Crimson Vision which is always unrealistic.

    The question remains. Why can't the Tide be superior in other sports? :How long will Alabama let women's hoops languish? What happens if four years down the line the men's program is still stuck in the mud? I am pulling for Nat  Oats. I pulled for Avery, and Anthony Grant. For some reason, I don't think Mark Gottfried was fired to continue being average. I wonder if Alabama will ever hire a coach like Calipari and see what happens. It's not like the school doesn't have the money. No disrespect to Oats but he isn't proven yet. You can see the optimism  rise on the posting boards almost daily. This is old history and history has proven to a nightmare for hoops fans. So here we all are - stuck in the middle again. 

   

Real News on Watford...

     After speaking with several people about Watford, I feel confident disclosing some information. Watford has chosen LSU. The only thing keeping a public announcement is the need to have some reassurance that Wade will be back as coach.

    Many of you may be aware that Wade can be fired for cause if he is found in violation of a level One or level Two offense. Wade's contract was just amended to include that clause. LSU doesn't want to pay millions if Wade if found to be a NCAA major violator. I am not going into the pros and cons of whether he is or isn't walking the proverbial plank on some matters made public already.

    I've suspected this was Watford's school of choice for some time, but have hesitated to say so until I had spoken to three specific individuals. All feel this is the case. Watford is waiting. He can wait as long as he wants. And I believe he will do so until Wade's matter is concluded.

    Might he end up at Alabama? If Wade gets the axe he might. The question is whether Coach Oats is willing to wait. My personal opinion is that Alabama will be better off with other players like Rojas or Cole, or both. Coach could make room for him by non-renewal of someone's grant-in-aid. Would Bama like to have Watford? Of course, they would. Whether it is good for the overall brand of the school is beyond my pay grade. There are other players that Oats will find in the future. Perhaps some will be five stars.

    But wait... Is it possible that the two players mentioned above might find room on the roster even if Watford becomes a Tider? That is an interesting thought. Bottom line is that Watford doesn't want to attend Alabama. You might not like that, but I can't blame him. While I have good thoughts about Oats he hasn't had a chance to prove himself at Alabama. I am not going down the rabbit hole again. When he wins I'll hop down there with an ever growing number of Tider Insider posters.

The Saga continues...

     The recruitment of Trendon Watford is like the Star Wars movie franchise. It seemingly will never end. The only thing missing from his recruitment is R2D2. Where will Watford choose to play? Is he being thoughtful and introspective about his choices, or is he engaged in an analysis by paralysis? A Tide fan told me something yesterday that bears repeating. Is Trendon Watford worth the wait? 

           The Tide and Nate Oats is faced with some tough choices. A great transfer is leaning toward the Tide. A JUCO All-American wants to play for Coach Oats. And what if Watford decides to come to Alabama. Does he leave two great players behind? Alabama isn't obligated to renew any scholarship to a player. Cutting a player isn't very attractive in my opinion. Alabama has one spot left right now if my count is correct. Tough decision. 

            I don't think that Watford is a one and done after reading a lot of AAU observations about him. Not all five stars are one and done's.  Perhaps he is a two and through guy? Regardless, he would be a great addition to the Tide program, but I suspect Oats is thinking long term and who fits his style. Most Tide fans would like for this Watford deal to be over one way or the other. 

           I talked to an ex-coach and he told me that Watford is confused. Perhaps his family can help him make up his mind. To me, the entire recruiting saga is unsettling for some reason. I would rather have good players who want to play at Bama instead of players who settle for Alabama. Alabama is having a big visit today from a player who may transfer in from in. RJ Cole is a dynamic combo guard who fits the Oats profile according to some. His family is coming with him. That's a good sign.

            Oats is big on us as a team vs. me as a player.  You have to wonder if Watford wants to be a part of that.  I'm not saying he doesn't but the longer this drags out you have to wonder. Roll Tide.

            

HOPE RETURNS  TO TIDE FANS...

     Nat Oats hasn't coached a game at Alabama. Let's give him credit for giving Alabama fans something to hope for in the future. Hope is an odd thing.  We often have those feelings with no basis of belief. Still, we hope. I hope our football team is successful. That hope is based on the recent past. But, hope for basketball? I guess we could say the bar is so low there is only one way to go. It is more than that isn't it. 

    The hopeful feeling I have our basketball program doesn't have much past history to believe Alabama will succeed next season. Yet, when I look at what Coach Oats is doing to get ready for year one I have reason to hope. You should too. Effort covers a lot of shortcomings. The Tide has some talent but not nearly as much as Alabama will need to win a trip to the NCAA. Wimp Sanderson told once that the most talented team doesn't always win. He quickly added it doesn't hurt though.

    Wimp has been gone for quite a while. His Plaid Palace hangs over Coleman Coliseum like a ghost. Will we ever get back to those days? Is Oats the man to do it. I think he just might be.

Impressed by Coach Oats on the recruiting trail...

       The old saying is that proof is the pudding. That's an old English expression that means a time comes when your prior efforts at success will be judged. You either pass or fail. Nate Oates hasn't taken a Tide team to the hardwood, but his work ethic is impressive. The list of young players that Oats has recruited or contacted about coming to play basketball at the Capstone is impressive. I'm betting those efforts will pay off in the future.

       The first two players that Oats got in the fold were Kira Lewis, Jr. and John Petty,  Jr. Lewis would have been a consensus five-star player if he was senior in high school this season. Petty was a five-star player in some polls as a senior. Both were in the transfer portal until Oats convinced them to stay. each of these young players had close personal relationships with Avery Johnson. There were strained feelings on the part of these young men about Johnson being fired. Despite that, Oats gained their trust. They stayed. I believe next year will show improvement by each player. So when the recruiting is over, and the top ten lists are made it is unlikely that Alabama will be found. However, you throw in the pair and they are every bit as a new player as anyone else. 

    

Time to quit recruiting one and done's 


     I have a good friend who is an NCAA coach. We talk from time to time. Today, he said something that made a lot of sense. "Recruiting kids who believe they are one and done just isn't worth it most of the time."  I agree 100%. For every kid you get like Colin Sexton there are ten times as many who just aren't worth it. Sexton was a great player, he had a great attitude, and he took his classes seriously. After he announced his intention to go pro he took the time to let everyone associated with Alabama how much he loved his time with the Tide. Too many of these kids are just prima donnas. They want to be courted and promised far too much to sign. They drag signing out to a bitter end. Notice, I didn't say the bitter end. I said a bitter end for the parents, the fans, and the school. 

    If I was a parent of Trendon Watford, I'd tell him where he could go to school. I might tell him to go to Indiana because your brother went there. You go to Memphis because you have a lot of friends there. Or, heaven's forbid, I might say if you are going to only play one year in college you go to where we get to watch you play every home game. Parents spend far too much time trying to make their kids happy as opposed to helping them make proper decisions. I'm not suggesting that all parents become helicopter mom and dad, but a big-time decision is something the parents need to make or at least help make. 

    Coaches need some incentive to quit recruiting one and done's. If you recruit a one and done, you lose a scholarship or two the next season. If you don't recruit a one and done you get an extra scholarship. Please note I said not recruit as opposed to not sign. College is supposed to be about obtaining an education. Boy, that is a joke. It is a sad joke. If the NCAA and college administrators want to help amateur basketball, then you have to make players stay in school. At the end of a players eligibility if they don't have a degree you lose a scholarship the next season. The NCAA helps colleges promote the monetary aspect of college sports. I'm not sure the fans even care in the least about the educational part of a players life. College football and basketball have become big business. 

   How many of you remember how Gonzaga became a big-time program? It's a lesson every school should be aware of how it happened. Do I want Alabama to sign five-star kids who want to play for one year and then leave? No, I don't. That is not a program, that selling your soul for a player. I'd rather have players who are less talented, who can get better through player development, and stick around to graduate. Call me old school. 

WATFORD ELIMINATES  ALALBAMA?

    I've made the telephone calls. Everyone says the same thing. Trendon Watford is not coming to Alabama. Seriously, that should come as a surprise to no one. If you are a great player like Watford thinks he is, why go to school whose past dozen years or so isn't inspiring? 

     It will take a unique personality to pick Alabama given recent history and the fact that a new basketball coach is at the helm. If Watford considered the long term impact of signing with an out of state school he might pick Alabama regardless. But 18 year old kids aren't exactly looking for who they want to be 20 years from now.  Here's an example. Would Alabama and Auburn fans pay any attention to Charles Barkley? I doubt it. Barkley chose Auburn and is much beloved in this State. 

    If Watford chooses Memphis it will be probably be a one and done deal. He will become a footnote to the people of Alabama. If he chooses LSU he will become a much hated man. I'm not saying that is acceptable to feel that way. Watford will be persona non grata to Alabama fans. To Auburn fans Watford will the "one that Alabama couldn't land" even though he grew up a 'Bama fan.

   To fans who really keep up with recruiting the reason he might go to Memphis or LSU seem obvious. He isn't going to Memphis for the coaching is he?  If he goes to LSU he'll be labeled as bought and paid even if it isn't true. I always thought that Indiana was a real possibility. Watford is doing no favors to himself by dragging out this decision. He knows where is going,  but the attention is a drug. He's a kid. It's what kids do. 

   The one thing that 'Bama fans need to stop saying is that he is critical to the Tide's future. He isn't. One year isn't going to make or break a program.  He isn't Zion Williamson or Larry Bird. He isn't even Colin Sexton. He is a very, very good play and we should all acknowledge that. Is he going to carry a team on his back? No, he isn't because he's not that good. If he somehow chooses 'Bama it will be a big deal. Is it a Kareem Abdul Jabbar moment? Is a Michael Jordon moment?  Nope. If he chooses Alabama he will be a cherished man for his entire life. He will be remembered. But he's just a kid and kid's want instant gratification. I'm sure someone has explained the long vs. short term benefits. Regardless, let's wish his good luck. He's a good kid. 

   To come to 'Bama would mean he wants to be the player who rebuilds a program. That takes a special kind of player. Long term to most players is the NBA. And that's sad for NCAA basketball. 

AUBURN FANS GO BALLISTIC, BUT...
    I didn't have a dog in the fight in the Semi-Finals of the NCAAT.  The foul that so enrages Tigers fans is understandable. I mean, a player commits a ridiculous foul which cost their team a chance to play in the National Championship game. Oh yes, it was obviously a foul. Two reasons from an officiating standpoint. First, the defender undercut the shooter, and secondly, it denied the Virginia player an unimpeded landing. The ref got it right. He was only five feet away with an angle that allowed him to see what happened. 

        Under all the pressure in the world, the kid made three free throws in a row. You can understand why Auburn fans are upset.  I can even see why they think no foul occurred. One Sir Charles Barkley admitted a foul occurred. . So a Cinderella run dies unfulfilled. Cinderella was a sweet and innocent young lady. Auburn is not so sweet, not close to innocent, and ...

       The more interesting question is exactly how Auburn assembled this team. How much did Chuck Person's money have to do with getting players to Auburn? We already know that their Bruce Pearl isn't above cheating. He's done it in the past. Did he do it for Auburn? I guess you might say that inquiring minds would like to know. 

      Person was charged with solicitation of bribery, bribery, wire fraud, and travel act conspiracy. He pled guilty to one count of bribery and is expected to spend 24-36 months in prison. He took ninety-one thousand dollars to funnel money to players families in return to sign with his business partners. The families involved got 19,000 dollars,  give or take. In one tape recording, Person warned an Auburn player not to tell anyone about the money. 

      Person paid the mothers of two AU players if press stories are correct. Each sat out a while and then returned to play. The NCAA let them return when there was no proof of player knowledge of the situation. That seems incredulous to most people. The Cam Newton Story repeated. Every time an AU player scores I wonder whether or not they got away with something which other teams did not do. LSU and Auburn have separated themselves from a lot of teams in the SEC. Yeah right, 

      Auburn hires Pearl, and LSU is offering Will Wade a path to be reinstated. It's all about winning and don't think that anything else counts. 

A hardwood junction...


 Even a cautious fan, burned from the belief that Anthony Grant or Avery Johnson would lead Alabama to the basketball promised land, has to optimistic about Nate Oats. If saying the correct things means something, the new coach has made a lot of fans happy. While his bona fides are short, they are impressive. 

   Oats seemingly wants to run a tight ship. He has done a good job of convincing John Petty to stay with the Tide. He has done all he can to do the same with Kira Lewis. I bet he will not suck up to Lewis, however. He made his pitch and then ran Lewis through some tough drills. By all accounts his squad was gassed, and this wasn't even his real conditioning drills. Oats wants to run opposing teams to death. I would think if you are a point guard this would be exactly what you want. 

  If Lewis can't adapt to this style play Oats should pat him on the back and wish him good look  wherever he lands. I think Oats is that kind of guy. He wants his type player or he doesn't need you. I'd bet there were some wide eyes at those practices. Here's the deal - that is what each of Bama's players need. If you want a future in the NBA he can get you there. If you want to play at the rec center with your buddies have at it. You don't need to be at Alabama. I like that. It isn't Oats decision. It is the players choice. For those that stick it out they will have teammates they can be proud to say we did it. 

   Oats said that he doesn't coach 1980's style basketball. His four out and one in scheme is exciting but it's still basketball. You have to shoot well and you have to defend. You have to rebound to run, and you have to protect the basketball as well. Those things never change despite they way the look to the average fan. That was true in the 1980's and is still true today. Can Oats take his Buffalo styled offense and win in SEC? That's the big question, isn't it.  One thing clear is that Oats believes in the small things. Small things are not always flashy or obvious. You win the 50-50 balls. You get extra offensive rebounds. You don't turn the ball over. If you do the small things you can do the big things. I believe Oats can instill that in his players. He may convince his players that the offense is new, but the fundamentals never change. We might even make some free throws, although tired legs sometimes kill you at the line. 

   I've been down this lane with a lot of coaches. Let's hope this one sticks around for a long time. 

Auburn does Alabama a big favor...

     The goal is set. The task is at hand. The standard has been given to Alabama's new head coach. It is definitive. If the University of Alabama wants to be a first rate basketball power in the SEC and the Nation they have to beat Auburn. If Alabama can beat Auburn they can be a national power. It's that simple.

       I know that making it to the Final Four involves some luck. Had New Mexico State made a few three throws, the Tigers would have gone home. Auburn took that gift and now are in the four teams playing for the National Championship. They are a great team.  They beat Kentucky, who had  beaten them twice this season, and did so with their arguably best player on the bench. The Tigers did it with three things. They have a great coach. Like him or not, you cannot say the man can't coach. The did it with the best player in the Tournament so far. Harper has a Doctorate in court sense. And they did it with inside play above their ability. Those are hard things are to beat. 

     If you want to know what Alabama needs, just look at Auburn. We may or may not have Lewis back. He is a good player who could end up being a great player. He now has experience. He will have better coaching it seems. (we don't know yet) Nate will no doubt, have his players stronger. Alabama has no proven big man. Fleming might be that guy. He has no experience. Oats landed Raymond Hawkins who played at Findley Prep in Las Vegas.  F. Prep is kind of like Oak Hill Academy.  Several PAC 12 teams and SEC teams wanted Hawkins. Having two tough six-nine players on the floor would be nice. 

    Bama needs another backup point guard if Lewis stays or transfers.  Alabama may bet some help for Shackleford. If Alabama could sign a JUCO or grad transfer it would help. Let's be honest. We have no Brice Brown right now, but Jaylen Forbes from Mississippi is a deadly high school shooter. Jaden Shackleford has the outside shot and the moves to create his own space. 

    Of course, Oats might use Mack or Petty. Neither are skilled ball handlers so far. Each can make the bombs, and they both showed they can take it to the paint. Petty needs more weight and strength. He might get stronger but he is an ectomorph and putting on the pounds is tough. 

    Alabama has some problems and they have some skills. This is where coaching matters. More than any sport, basketball is a game of coaching. So Auburn has done us a favor. If Auburn can make it the Final Four, Alabama can make it to the Final Four. 

Petty decides to stay with 'Bama



    I want to applaud John Petty for making the decision to exit the transfer portal and play for Nate Oats next season. He ought to be happy in his three-point point shooting offense. Petty, Mack, and Lewis will greatly benefit from the new offense. That assumes that Lewis will return. Petty had some good games last season, notably the Tennessee game when  Petty almost led the Tide to an upset on the road. 

     Petty's defense improved this season. His rebounding was impressive for a 6-5 player skinny as a rail. But Petty can elevate with anyone. If it is true that Scott Cochran is going to take over the weight and strength program it will make Petty a potential All-SEC player next season. In fact, all of Bama's players played pretty soft last season. That means they got pushed around too much.

     Petty is also free to contact potential recruits like Trendon Watford and Kira Lewis. I have watched a couple of videos of Oats at Buffalo. You better be in shape and you better be ready to share the rock. Petty is not a selfish player and my bet is he will thrive under his new coach.  It hurts when the coach that recruits you is forced to leave. All of Alabama's players can't say they weren't happy with being at the University of Alabama. The Tide is a family in a sense. Because of the fewer number of players you are all close friends. Because the fanbase is smaller, a lot of fans and players are friends as well.

NAT OATS TAKES CONTROL OF THE PROGRAM...


    My thoughts on our new coach. He seems to be a really good coach. In fact, he seems like "our kind of guy" and I will support him fully, but...

    Are right back in the Anthony and Avery boat. We thought each of them was the man.  Past success at lower divisions outside a Power Five conference cannot make you successful in the SEC.  So, we need to understand that Alabama is taking a risk once again. I suppose the AD took a cost-benefit analysis approach in making this decision. I think the money Alabama paid Johnson took a financial toll and might have had something to do with his decision. That is somewhat understandable. Or it may mean that Alabama cannot attract a current big-time coach. If you can't attract one try to hire one and hope he becomes big-time. 

    None of what I have said means I have a negative opinion about our coach or AD. It isn't like we are betting the ranch on drawing a card to an inside straight.  But it isn't like having three of kind hoping to get a fourth king either. For all the Halleluiahs that Alabama exerts to sell Nate Oats, you have to throw in a couple of Hail Marys as well. Do I hope Oats is successful?  Of course, all 'Bama fans want him to be. The Capstone needs him to be. Truthfully, none of us know. The difference between a Thad Matta type coach is you can expect him to be. With Oats, you have some indication of what he might be able to do at Alabama. But hope is still a big part if you think about it. I am not being negative or wildly excited. Temperant is the right word.

   This isn't going to be an overnight success story and a walk down the yellow brick road. This isn't going to be a Bataan Death March either, but there are going to be some down times ahead. Task one - convince those in the transfer portal to stay at Alabama. Task two is to recruit Trendon Watford and one more big man. Task three is to convince the fanbase to lower expectations for a couple of years or four. 

   I hope he can do it and let's give some room. Alabama is a tough job. He's not a kid. He's mature and that will help at Alabama. I like him a lot though. This press conference was tempered with a dash of hard-hat thrown in. I believe you work hard for this man or you transfer out. I think Alabama needs a little more of that in Coleman, don't you? He seemed sincere and that is important. Johnson was a salesman. Oats is a leader. 

UPDATE:  CNO said some things this writer needed to hear. He didn't promise instant success, instead, he took a more logical stance of "continue to build". I like that. It was better to say that outright and have it out of the way. He said  he would likely keep one instate coach in a kind of "lay of the land strategy." It was respectful to give each assistant coach a chance to talk with him about their future. N.O. said he is also open to giving a high school coach a leg up as his mentor did for him. Paying it forward never hurts. If the two time Alabama High School Player of the Year and a 5-star recruit plays for a talented coach in Mountain Brook, Alabama. That statement is going to light up the board. Those things answered a lot of questions I had. He appears solid. He is a competitor. He has a plan and he said the University will give him the funds to compete to make his blueprint work. You can't ask for a more logical and thoughtful approach. 

I have a source close to high school basketball in Birmingham. He says that Watford will sit and listen to what the coach has to say. It might happen tonight.