Tide falls apart in the second half ...

     It always amazes me to see how bad we play and how close we still come to winning. Last night, the Tide continued Turnover City and missed 40% of their free throws. The Tide had 18 turnovers. Alabama was 20-34 from the free-throw line. You do the math. Clean up either of those two areas, and the Tide wins. Bama built a ten-point halftime lead with good defense and limiting offensive rebounds. The refs decided to call so many fouls the game ran 30 minutes over the allotted television time. 

      According to many on the posting boards, Nat Oats went from being Jesus to Judas in one year. Of course, most know zero about college basketball. Still, watching this year's Alabama basketball team was pretty hard. The best predictor of future play is always past play. As the season progressed, the Tide became a mediocre team. Someone asked me last night what was my opinion of this team. Here you go:

1. The talent was lacking in too many areas.

2. The team had no defined leadership. 

3. The Tide's defensive rebounding was pretty good, but no offense inside hurt.

4. JD Davison wasn't ready to play Division One basketball despite being a five-star recruit. He improved. I have no idea if he stays or goes this year, but he can't play point guard in the NBA. His ball-handling is just not there yet. He lacks confidence on offense. He is a good rebounder.

5. Noah Gurley is a nice guy. He never found his game this season is about the kindest way to describe him. He will be better next season, but he will never be a great player.

6. I think Oats got about as much out of this team as he could in many ways. He was forced to play to first-year students in major roles who weren't ready to contribute in ways the team needed. It isn't anyone's fault. They were freshmen, and neither was Jarbari Smith.

7. Jahvon Quinerly has a total meltdown this year. It was painful to watch. It was difficult to watch. Keep in mind the lack of offensive firepower inside hurt Quinerly and Shackleford. The wide-open three-point shots dried up. Keon Ellis was forced to play a different role from last season. 

8. Too many problems kept this team from finding any real chemistry. The lack of chemistry will hurt a talented team. It will eviscerate a less talented team. 

9.  Injuries hurt the Tide again. Rojas played with a brace on his knee.  Burnett never suited up. I have no idea what is going on with our resident Frenchman. 

10. Our offense was out of control. Five out may be great when you have five players who can play their defined roles. Bama couldn't do that. Tip of the hat J. Holt. He's going to be a player next year. 

11. Oats said he had three players trying to provide leadership. I guess now is better than never.

     Can the Tide win another game in the NCAA? I have no idea. But history says no.