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Alabama Basketball: Collin Sexton’s impact on Avery Johnson and the Crimson Tide

By Dakota Cox

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Head coach Avery Johnson (R) of the Alabama Crimson Tide talks with Collin Sexton #2 during the first half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Head coach Avery Johnson (R) of the Alabama Crimson Tide talks with Collin Sexton #2 during the first half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Collin Sexton might have only played college basketball for one season, but his impact will be seen for years to come.

In the 2018 season, Collin Sexton lit the world on fire. He managed to take the Alabama Crimson Tide dancing in his only season with the Tide. In just 33 games, he completely changed the outlook on Alabama’s program. After being drafted 8th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, one question remains in Tuscaloosa: where does he leave his team?

THE PRESENT:

With most of his teammates returning for the upcoming season, Sexton gave them a parting gift worth more than his signing bonus in Cleveland: playoff experience. His buzzer beater against the Aggies punched the Tide’s ticket to the Tournament, and they advanced past Virginia Tech to the Round of 32. Every returning player has now played in multiple elimination games, and that experience is priceless. Not only does it help their odds to make it back to the Tournament, but it increases their odds to extend their postseason success. In terms of Avery Johnson’s legacy, this would prove that he is not a one-hit wonder. If Alabama continues to build on the success that Sexton helped create, then they will be contenders to make the tournament for years to come.

THE NEAR FUTURE:

Another gift that Sexton brought the Tide was a national stage. His hype helped sell out crowds, get people to watch on television, and brought recruiters to the games. This national spotlight will help his teammates throughout their draft process. The three main potential prospects are Herbert Jones, John Petty, and Donta Hall. These players might not be skilled enough to emerge as first-round picks, but they can easily find a league that will pay them to play basketball. If more and more of Johnson’s players play professional basketball, he will be known as a pipeline to life after college.

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THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE:

If Alabama continues to improve in the next few years, it will pay dividends on the recruiting trail. Two successful years in a row would be enough to turn recruits’ heads, and Sexton helped Coach Johnson get halfway there. If Sexton succeeds in the NBA, Johnson succeeds in the NCAA, and some current players turn into higher-profile stars, then you could have high school recruits looking to take the “Collin Sexton route.” If this happens, Sexton would become the strongest pillar of Avery Johnson’s building legacy.

PREDICTING THE FUTURE:

With an increased focus on changing the age requirement for the NBA, college basketball could be turned upside down. If this happens, the playing field would be leveled with fewer generational talents staying in college. This increases the value of second-tier players. If this happens, Coach Johnson could capitalize. Any player choosing the NCAA route would be figuratively saying that they need extra help to make it to the Association, and there is plenty of time for other coaches to work on their resume.

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This will be a different need than the average need of a one-and-done player, which could give Johnson value over traditional powerhouses. All in all, the future is bright for the Crimson Tide under Avery Johnson, and a large part of this is thanks to his work with Collin Sexton.

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