Alabama vs Gonzaga: 2021-22 key storylines for top-20 matchup

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs talks with Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the game against the UCLA Bruins at T-Mobile Arena on November 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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Alabama Crimson Tide guard Jaden Shackelford Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports /

Alabama’s plan to attack Drew Timme

One of the reasons why I have been so interested in this game is that the Crimson Tide will be the closest opponent in terms of style and system to the Baylor Bears that defeated Gonzaga in the 2021 national title game. This team will usually run three-guard lineups, sometimes with two ball-handlers.

Jahvon Quinerly and leading scorer Jaden Shackelford will have either five-star freshman JD Davison or breakout senior and 6’6 guard Keon Ellis in the lineup. These combinations are likely going to set a ton of screens, with Timme as the defensive target to either get to the basket or set up for a three-pointer. Baylor did it masterfully with better players months ago but the Crimson Tide have a good collection of their own guards to make Gonzaga sweat defensively.

Neither Noah Gurley nor Charles Bediako will be a major offensive threat to Timme so the best way to get him in foul trouble is but attacking him with guards on various screens and matchup disadvantages. Duke was able to get him in foul trouble and miss a key portion of the second half, trying to get him out the way again will neutralize the frontcourt advantage the Bulldogs have on paper.

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