SOUTH CAROLINA WITHOUT HERB JONES...

     According to a fan who saw Herb Jones and telephoned me late this morning, he isn't sure if he'll play tonight. This was based on his seeing Herb move about.  He didn't talk with Jones. Oates says no decision has been made about the game. I get calls like this from time to time—the only reason this one is shared because the person has given me useful information in the past. I haven't tried to confirm the conversation. You can take it or ignore what he said. Besides all, you would get is coachspeak about his status. It does bring up a point worthy of discussion. What will Alabama do if Jones can't play?

     If Jones is sitting on the bench with Jordan Bruner, it means that 40% of the Tide's starting lineup is out. How many teams could win with that percentage of starters on the pine?  Frank Martin, South Carolina Head Coach recently told the press that Jones is the most valuable SEC player. The coach then elaborated why.  Jones is the best defensive player in the conference; he makes threes when his team needs them, he pushed the ball down the paint, and he instructs his teammates what to do on defense.  This is high praise for a man who is a perfectionist.  

     Alabama can beat Carolina if everyone else does their jobs. It appears that Jahvon Quinerly is back.  An extra burden falls on him if Jones is out. The Alabama inside game must create opportunities to draw post defenders out of the lane, and they must take up the slack for some of Herb and Jordan's rebounds. Between the pair, that is 11.5 rebounds a game. That is a lot of rebounds. Here's another observation. When Alabama isn't taking a lot of the three-pointers, it means fewer long rebounds. It might surprise you to know that Alabama is 3rd in the NCCA in rebounds. Rebounding at Alabama is a team effort. Everyone needs to rebound well, but losing your top two rebounders is tough. 

     The Tide must get their outside game back on track.  Without better outside shooting, every game becomes one of attrition. You might lose games you are projected to win without outside shooting. It's that weapon that makes Alabama dangerous. Even though the Tide will be playing games that appear they can win, you'll lose some when you are on the razor's edge. I have no idea if it is a bad idea if Herb to play or not. That is up to the teams's doctor, trainers, and the player. 

     South Carolina is having a bad year. They nearly lost their pre-conference schedule. They beat Florida on the road. They beat Georgia, but they lost to Vanderbilt. Good and bad. Mostly bad. Any given night, an SEC team can beat you. If Bama can pick up the pace they win. If not, they can lose. South Carolina hasn't been a good outside shooter.  That could allow Bama some leeway inside on the boards. 

     Alabama isn't going to improve the NET numbers in the remainder of the season. All the teams left on the schedule are not Quad 1 teams.  A loss would really hurt the rankings. Bama has to play each game as if it is the most important game remaining. The NET demands it.