Alabama # 5 in the final AP Poll...  

Jahvon with his MVP Award

     Javon Quinerly was named the Most Valuable Player of the SECTournament. You'll hear no disagreement from me. I wonder if a non-starter has ever been named as the MVP.  I can't think of another one who did this.  For three games,  Quinerly did everything possible to help the Tide win the Tournament. He scored 14  points, made 3-7 from downtown, and provided leadership when it appeared that LSU might beat the Tide. He came off the bench in his sixth-man role and settled the Tide down his leadership.  JQ is ready to Roll for sure.

          “I have full faith that we can take this thing, take the NCAA tournament by storm, win the whole thing,” Quinerly said. “I know how hard we work. I know we have one of the -- we have the best coaching staff in the country who just prepares us each and every game." I have full faith if we lock in and do what we have to do, we'll be crowned again. We have the best coaching staff in the Country,

SEC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM 2021

1. Jahvon Quinerly, Alabama

2. Herb Jones, Alabama

3. Yves Pons, Tennessee

4. Trendon Watford, LSU

5. Javonte Smart, LSU

     You have to admire how Nate Oats has prepared his team for each set of challenges they faced. Now, they prepare for the biggest test of them all, the NCAA Tournament. If you read what Quinerely told us about the upcoming tournament, you have to be impressed. Another college coach told me that Oats is a tournament coach. If this proves to be true, Alabama is going to impress a lot of recruits. 

     Oats has some things to fix before the Iona game. Shooting drills are important. Quinerly and Shackleford are shooting well. Keon Ellis has been making some big three-point baskets.  Reese has made a couple. What Alabama needs is for Petty to step up and make some threes. His shooting slump continues. I think his defense is hurting his shooting touch.  Does he have tired legs? One thing is true. Shooters have to shoot. He won't break out of the slump by taking fewer shots.  But he needs to take better shots, in my opinion.  Reese played a great defensive game against LSU.  He was as tough as nails. He drilled a three from the corner and then told Watford about it. I did notice that after the game, the pair embraced.  The pre-game dust-up caused an already emotional game to be taken to a different level. I think that helps LSU more than 'Bama.

     The second problem that needs to be addressed is Jordan Bruner. He's not near 100% and wasn't comfortable crashing the boards against the last three opponents.  He is now wearing two knee braces. Bama needs him to rebound and make layups on the inside. Juwan Gary has announced his arrival. He is a vicious inside scrapper. He needs all the minutes he can get. Finally,  Joshua Primo's knee kept him out of the LSU game. Will he be ready for the Iona game, or will Oats rest him? I'm betting he'll rest him to let his knee get well. A great SEC season for Bama ended in perfection.

    Ironic, the last play came down to 'Bama's defense vs. LSU's offense. I felt good about that after Herb made the go-ahead basket. 

BAMA FINISHES THE AP SEASON RANKED 5TH

Check out Warren Nolan basketball and see their mathematical projection for the 'Bama v. Iona game. It surprised me.

Justin Thomas just won the Players Championship. His first statement was about Bama winning the SEC Tournament. Roll Tide Roll J.T.