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Discussion
Nate Oats has done a tremendous job at changing the basketball culture at the university. The buzz around the program since his hiring has been similar to the Gottfried days. In between the end of Gottfried and the hiring of Oats was a pretty dark time for Tide Hoops. Trust me, we’re getting back to the old days. Grant turned the program into a disaster, Johnson fixed it somewhat but was what looked to be lost in translation from his first presser to actually implementing what he wanted to do. Oats has been true to his word saying he’s going to increase pace and make the overall product on the court more entertaining. The work Nate has done so far has been as good as he could do with the roster he has. There’s very few players that fit the mold of his offense and defense completely. Trust me when I say this, the time is coming. When Nate was hired, it was never about this year, even though a majority of the fans and students thought it would be. Next year has been the motto of Tide Hoops for years now. However, next year is really going to be something special. Watching JQ struggle having to sit out this year is going to make next year a blessing. The talent that’s on the bench due to injury and eligibility is going to make next year special. The upperclassmen we have that will be back next year is going to be special. You’re looking at JQ, JPJ, Reese, Herb, Gary, Rojas, Shack, Forbes, and Davis all next year. Not to mention Ambrose and possibly Primo coming down from Canada. I would expect at least 1 forward to transfer out, a 2nd is very possible. A name to watch out for would be Patrick Tape during the grad transfer process. Dude was a stud for 2 years in the Ivy League. The 6’10 230 forward would 100% increase the post presence for the Tide. Like the title says, Don’t Panic, next year is going to be amazing.
who do you see ending up in the 2020 class?
It's still early so hard to predict. A lot of guys want to see how our season goes. We are in good position with a few different guys. I really like where we sit with Nimari Burnett, Colby Jones and MarJon Beauchamp. We will get a better idea of who we might land in the next couple of months.
Anyone planning on making any road trips?
Hoping to travel to some SEC away games!
@Matthew Landry I will be in Columbia for the Bama SC game
Who else do we expect to visit besides Burnett, beauchamp, fletcher, etc.
Expect a visit from Ear Timberlake. Possibly in September!
I wouldn't be surprised at all if we see Earl Timberlake visit. I'd be more surprised if he didn't. Jalen Bridges has stated (Jake Weingarten tweeted about it) he intends to visit Alabama as well.
How Many non conference games are confirmed for this year?
All but 2 I think
Have you heard any rumors on who our last 2 Non Conference opponents will be?
Nothing official yet. I expect another solid mid major program to be added to the schedule though.
what do you think alabama record will be after Nate’s first season?
Still have to wait and see the final schedule to give a better prediction, but I expect a 20+ win season.
Few variables still at play. The returning experience alone should make us a 18-22 game winning program. Heck, we should’ve accomplished that last year. Just couldn’t close out a few. Potentially adding Quinerly via waiver could be worth another win or 2.
I could see a 20 win season. The talent is there and we won 18 with a staff who wasn’t developing players and wasn’t great with X’s and O’s. Now we have a good staff. A staff that will get the most out of them. I expect around 20 wins
Starting lineup prediction?
How do you see Hawkins contributing this year?
So many options with the talent that we have but I could see it being this way: Kira Petty Herb Reese Galin
My prediction for the first game is Kira-JP-Herb-Reese-Smith.
I think we will see the lineup change throughout the season and could depend on matchups.
@Ali-gay Dont be surprised if Beetle starts in game 1 and Herb is your 6th man
Who, if anyone, best fills the defensive void left in Donta Hall's absence?
That’s honestly my biggest question. I’m hoping Galin can step up big time this year. I expect a drop off at center for sure, but I have confidence Galin can become more of an inside presence under a new staff
I'm afraid we won't have a guy to take the place of Donta on defense. It will be a defense by committee I feel like. A long, athletic rim protector is definitely something we are lacking.
There won’t be someone who can match Donta Hall’s presence immediately. Galin is probably your best defender at Center— I think he’ll have a really good year. I think eventually we’ll see Raymond Hawkins step in and be the physically dominating, down-low presence that we’re lacking— whether that be this year, next year or his junior year assuming he stays at Alabama and buys into Nate Oats’ process.
@Alabama RoundballGuy As far as a rim protector? No one, unfortunately. Rojas is a great defender and we know about Herb.
Is Rojas going to be this team's version of Chris Hines? Tough physical guy? Physically and mentally?
He could be for sure. Rojas is tough and physical and Oats thinks highly of him. Excited to see him get on campus
Just as an off the wall guess, who do you guys think will have the highest scoring game for Alabama this year, and how many do you think they will score? I'm gonna take the easy route and say that JP goes for 33 at some point this year.
Yeah definitely JP, imo. Gonna say he hits 35 points one game
JP is probably the safest bet. I feel like him or Kira will be a popular (and probably right) answer. Just to be different, I'm going to go with Jaden Shackelford. Shack can flat out shoot the ball and if he gets hot he is going to be a problem for opposing defenses.
You guys making any road trips this year? I live in Columbus, MS and plan on making the trip to Oxford and Starkville for sure.
Definitely hoping to be at both of those games!
A friend and I are kicking around traveling to Gainesville depending on what date it falls on. Possible one of the Mississippi games as well.
Probably won’t be able to make any road trips unfortunately, but I’ll be at a ton of home games
Any updates on JQ’s waiver?
Nothing yet, we may not know until October.
Think Fleming will have a huge role in the offense?
Don’t see Fleming having a big impact this year. Could be wrong, though. I do however like his potential as a low-post scorer. He seems to have a good work ethic as well.