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Alabama Basketball: Takeaways from Tide’s opening win over Louisiana Tech

By Matthew Travis

Nov 9, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Tyler Barnes (15) celebrates with Alabama Crimson Tide guard Jusaun Holt (1) after Barnes hit a goal at the buzzer after coming off the bench in the closing minutes of the game against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Tyler Barnes (15) celebrates with Alabama Crimson Tide guard Jusaun Holt (1) after Barnes hit a goal at the buzzer after coming off the bench in the closing minutes of the game against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama Basketball Keon Ellis Alabama Men Vs Louisiana Tech
Alabama Basketball Keon Ellis Alabama Men Vs Louisiana Tech /

Keon Ellis is Going to be Huge for Alabama this Season

One of the biggest takeaways from Alabama’s win over Louisiana Tech on Tuesday was the outstanding play of Keon Ellis. In 2020-21, Ellis wasn’t much of a factor for the Tide as he averaged only 5.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while playing an average of 17.5 minutes per game (most of those minutes came late in the season.)

In 2021-22, you can expect that to change in a pretty big way. In the Crimson Tide’s first game, Ellis played 31 of the 40 minutes and was the best player on the floor all night as he made five of his seven shots from the field, three of his four three-pointers, and all five of his free throws as he went for 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block as well.

Ellis was also massively important for Alabama because of his ability to play almost any position on the floor. He’s a 6’6″ guard, who grabbed nine rebounds, played a decent bit in the post, brought the ball down the court multiple times, and was knocking down his threes at a high rate.

Last season Alabama had Herb Jones who was drafted 35th overall to the Pelicans, and last season for Alabama he won the SEC Player of the Year, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and this season nobody was quite sure who would step up and take over his spot, but it appears as if it might be Keon Ellis.

Herb Jones made a name for himself because of his outstanding defense, which overshadowed his offense, which isn’t exactly his strong suit. Keon Ellis looked incredible on defense and is certainly better on the offensive side of the ball than Herb Jones. That being said, Ellis has an opportunity to be a huge force for Alabama this season, and take over the hole left behind by Herb Jones.

Coming into the season, I wasn’t even 100% sure Ellis would be starting, but based on the fact that he was the best player on the court whenever he was in the game, it would simply be impossible to not start him going forward.

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