Alabama basketball has a fair amount of talent returning for this season despite a few losses. What should we expect from the Crimson Tide?
Basketball season is quickly approaching. As pictures continue to form and narratives start to set, teams are hoping to be taking steps in the right direction for this year. One of those teams is the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Last year, Alabama defied the odds by working its way through a demanding schedule and earning a bid in the NCAA Tournament. Most of this was on the shoulders of Collin Sexton, ‘Bama’s former point guard who is now the face of the rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers. With Sexton and Braxton Key, a key contributor from last year’s team, off the squad, there will be many roles to fill in the upcoming season.
The elephant in the room is obviously how Sexton’s production will be replaced. Enter Kira Lewis, a late commit in the 2018 class. Lewis will be one of the youngest players at the college level at 17 years old, but he definitely has the talent to thrive in Johnson’s offense.
Despite Lewis’ skill at the guard position, this won’t be a plug-and-play situation. Players at the other positions will need to step up as well. John Petty had a great freshman year, but he has to get more consistent with his performances on the road. If Donta Hall has a healthy season, he will definitely see his production rise as well. Herb Jones will definitely start more games than he did last year and he has a lot on the line as he hopes to improve this draft stock.
And all of this comes without mentioning Tevin Mack, a strong wing player who had to sit last year due to transfer rules, and Dazon Ingram, a stud junior who will become a leader this season both on and off the field. With all this being said, what will happen this year for the Tide? Here are three predictions that I have after researching them during the offseason.