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Gonzaga Basketball: Early predictions for games against top 2021-22 opponents

Nov 26, 2020; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24), Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs (1), Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Andrew Nembhard (3), Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) huddle up against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24), Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs (1), Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Andrew Nembhard (3), Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) huddle up against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gonzaga Basketball Jaden Shackelford Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Gonzaga Basketball Jaden Shackelford Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Alabama Crimson Tide (Battle 4 Seattle)

December 4th in Seattle, Washington

Under head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide has been one of the best scoring offenses in the country. Expect that to continue this upcoming season, with the point guard duo of Jahvon Quinerly and five-star freshman ball-handler JD Davison leading the way. They’re boosted by the return, then departure, then return of leading scorer Jaden Shackelford (14.0 ppg) in the backcourt as well.

Former five-star prospect Nimari Burnett is looking for a new start after leaving Texas Tech, while Furman transfer forward Noah Gurley is a solid two-way player in the frontcourt. The injury to James Rojas hurts their depth in the frontcourt but five-star center prospect Charles Bediako has the chance to be a star for Alabama.

How will this game play out?

The funny thing is, last season’s version of Alabama would be a much better matchup for the Bulldogs. Seniors John Petty and Herb Jones were two of the most versatile players in the country and with athletes such as Sallis and Holmgren, they would’ve been perfect for this game.

However, Davison and Quinerly could provide their own mismatches via ball-screens and transition offense. Timme was destroyed defensively against Baylor’s offense and the Crimson Tide’s backcourt has the potential to do something similar. But their frontcourt could be a weakness against Timme, Holmgren, and Anton Watson, who could be in line for a lot of minutes as he can defend screens very well.

This game is going to be high-scoring and should be a clinic for great guard play. But while Alabama will have the perimeter advantage against most other teams, it’s at best a wash against the Bulldogs. And unless Bediako can have a big game from inside, the duo of Timme/Holmgren will be too much for the Tide.

Prediction: Gonzaga 88, Alabama 75

Drew Timme: 22 points, 10 rebounds

Andrew Nembhard 15 points, 10 assists

Jaden Shackelford: 20 points, 3 assists