5. A Fake ID for Kira Lewis
This is an obvious joke. Don’t use any ID that isn’t your own, kids. I’m simply using this metaphor because Kira is legally not yet an adult but he’s playing in a grown man’s league. And he’s been playing like a grown man. Lewis’s 15.4 points and 2.3 assists has carried the Tide this year. His 42% from behind the arc is the highest on the team from players who shoot more than one a game.
Considering how often he has the ball in his hands, averaging less than two turnovers a game is impressive. His speed in transition helps the offense get in a rhythm. There are still gaps in his game that come with lack of experience. Once February and March roll around, he should be prepared to take on the leadership role, but that might be too late. They have a daunting schedule ahead of them and they’re going to need Lewis to be a star to win some of those games. If Christmas could come early for the Tide, that would be greatly appreciated.
The biggest issue that will face Lewis is locking down star guards. He will have Dazon Ingram and Herb Jones helping him, but he will have some assignments where it will be his job to lock down future NBA players. A great example of this was when Ja Morant from Murray State balled out against the Tide. When Alabama plays Auburn and Kentucky down the way, Lewis will have to lock down players like Jared Harper and Keldon Johnson. If they play like they’re playing right now, they will be hard to stop. Kira will be outsized by many guards but he has to find a way to slow them down.
If Santa is feeling extra generous this year, the Tide would love to find these five things under the tree. If they can even get two or three things, this will be a very merry Christmas.