Alabama Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Crimson Tide

By Dakota Cox | Sep 7, 2018

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) /

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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) /

Alabama Basketball had a great year in both the SEC and in the NCAA tournament last season. What should be expected of the Crimson Tide in 2018-19?

Everyone remembers what happened last year for the Alabama Crimson Tide. They made multiple upsets against high-level teams, performed well in the SEC tournament, won a game in the NCAA tournament, and even saw its own point guard Collin Sexton join the NBA through the draft. So much happened, but they are in line to see even more this year.

Last year’s team was one of the youngest in the nation, and they returned most pieces. The only key contributors that they will not have in a crimson uniform are Sexton and Braxton Key, Virginia’s latest transfer. All other young players will come back for Alabama, including sharpshooter John Petty and stud Donta Hall.

Not only is the Tide bringing back so much talent, they’re also having players who didn’t dress out last year. Riley Norris was granted a medical redshirt to have a second try at his senior season. Tevin Mack is ready to join the team after sitting one year due to the transfer rule. Freshman Kira Lewis joined the Tide late in the recruiting trail after reclassifying to the 2018 class.

If Alabama wants to get back to where they were last year, they need to have some players step up in their roles. Sexton was the main focus of the offense last year, and the Young Bull left some big shoes to fill. Kira Lewis will have to take on a large load of the minutes, and Tevin Mack will have to be a huge scorer for the Tide. Their defense will also have to get stronger, with Herb Jones and Donta Hall leading the way.

Alabama definitely has the pieces for success, but what should the fans be expecting?

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