Busting Brackets
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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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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) /

Reason One: Avery Johnson

This is a heck of a first reason. Who’s the best option to teach a young point guard how to lead an offense? How about a former point guard who played in the NBA for fifteen years and won a title? Add in the fact that he was a great NBA coach as well. He knows the process through and through, and this will help both Kira Lewis and Jared Butler on their journey to fill Collin Sexton’s shoes.

Johnson is not just a point guard whisperer, however. You don’t win NBA Coach of the Year by only coaching a fifth of your team. He’s proven that he can make any player rise above his station and play better than his 247 ranking.

The further we get into his tenure, the better recruiting he does, as well. With this being his fourth year, he finally has a team with seniors that he recruited. That’s a valuable asset to have. This is now completely his team, and he has coached his players to the best of his ability.

Johnson is also a great game manager. He combines great preparation with a strong staff. He’s been battle-tested, so he knows what game plans will work without having to waste time thinking about it. He will adjust his rotation every game to help the Tide win. He can draw up great plays in timeouts, and he’s one of the better strategic minds of the SEC.

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