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Alabama Basketball: 5 reasons why the Tide can go dancing in 2018-19

By Dakota Cox

TUSCALOOSA, AL - JANUARY 17: Tyler Ulis (3) of the Kentucky Wildcats attempts to steal the ball from Retin Obasohan (32) of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the game at Coleman Coliseum on January 17, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 70-48. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - JANUARY 17: Tyler Ulis (3) of the Kentucky Wildcats attempts to steal the ball from Retin Obasohan (32) of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the game at Coleman Coliseum on January 17, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 70-48. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 08: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 8, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 08: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 8, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Can Alabama Basketball continue on last year’s success and secure another tournament bid? Here are five reasons why the Crimson Tide can do it.

Alabama went for a ride last season, and Collin Sexton was the team’s conductor. He led the Tide through more suspense in one year than the fans had gotten in Avery Johnson’s entire tenure. The suspense was at its highest point when he made a floater at the buzzer in the SEC Tournament to clinch a berth in March Madness. After a win against Virginia Tech, Alabama’s season came to an unfortunate (but expected) end against the eventual champion of college basketball.

For Avery Johnson to prove his worth in the college ranks as a coach, he has to find a way to build on such an amazing season. It’s already started through recruiting. In the past few days, he landed one of the best point guards of the 2018 class in Kira Lewis. He also has Jared Butler, Diante Wood, and Javian Fleming joining the team as a freshman, along with Tevin Mack eligible after sitting out a year per the transfer rules.

The newcomers are enough reason to have high hopes, but fans won’t forget how much young talent they have returning from last year’s roster. This team has the perfect mixture of returning talent and new faces to make this season interesting.

However, talent means nothing if you can’t fulfill their potential. This is where Coach Johnson has his challenge. Every player on the roster will have to improve on what they did last year. Lewis will have to learn fast as he’s enrolling later than the other freshmen. Collin Sexton will have to be replaced by committee.

Why should we expect this to happen? Here are five reasons.

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