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Alabama Basketball: 2017-18 Crimson Tide season preview

By Brad Cavallaro

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 10: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 10: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 11: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team against the Kentucky Wildcats during the semifinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 11: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team against the Kentucky Wildcats during the semifinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Starters No. 4 and 5

Alabama will still need high-level defense and rebounding from the center position which means junior Donta Hall should be an excellent fit. Hall averaged 6ppg, 5.5rpg, and 1.4 blocks per game last season and these numbers should increase if Hall earns a larger role. The athletic 6’9 center has already drawn some NBA draft buzz from scouts. Ohio State transfer Daniel Giddens will compete with Hall for starters minutes. The 6’11 sophomore averaged 3.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and an impressive 1.5 blocks in 18.2 minutes per game as a freshman. Giddens will bolster Alabama’s front line and provide them some much-needed rim protection following the graduation of Jimmy Taylor.

Freshman John Petty and senior Riley Norris will compete for the final starting spot. While Petty looks to have the upper hand at this point, both players will play crucial roles regardless of who is named the starter. Petty is an athletic wing who can stretch the defense with his long-range shooting. Norris is a three-point specialist who can play multiple positions. Norris should also see some playing time as a small ball four behind Key. Expect both players to earn over 20 minutes per game and for Petty to earn the coveted starting spot.

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