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Monday, April 1, 2019

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. 

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