2007 Alabama Crimson Tide Basketball Preview

For the Alabama Crimson Tide (20- 12 overall, 7- 9 SEC West) to get back to the NCAA tourney, they’ll need star guard Ronald Steele to stay healthy. The Tide tied for third in the SEC West and were then eliminated by Massachusetts 89- 87 in the first round of the NIT. Coach Mark Gottfried (181- 108 in nine years with Alabama, 249- 132 overall in 12 years) has some solid vets on which he can rely to help the team get back to the NCAA which they missed for the first time in five years last season.

Alabama was definitely not on its game in 2006- 2007 as they finished sixth in scoring (74.0 PPG) and ninth in scoring defense (69.5 PPG). The team was last in assists, notching 13.1 per game and fourth in both rebounding margin (plus-4.0) and turnovers (13.8 TPG).

Although F/C Jermareo Davidson (14.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.3 BPG) is gone, the Tide still possesses some potent players in the frontcourt. Junior center Richard Hendrix (14.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 60.2 FG%), who possesses tough to defend against moves when around the basket, has developed a fine 16-foot jumper. He’s also an accomplished rebounder. Sophomore forward Demetrius Jemison (2.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 44.7 FG%) and freshman Justin Knox look to be the other upfront starters. Jemison was tough but inconsistent in his first season (and in college basketball betting), while Knox is an athletic rebounder. Junior forward Alonzo Gee (12.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 46.4 FG%) will start for sure if he can give the team more even play.

Senior Ronald Steele (8.6 PPG, 4.0 APG, 38.4 FG%) has speed and dexterity when healthy. At the point, he’s one of the best in the nation. Senior shooting guard Mykal Riley (12.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 44.8 FG%) is an accurate shooter who carries a 37.0% success rate from downtown. There’s depth in the backcourt, and that’s good news for the college basketball point spreads.

‘Bama has been to the tournament 19 times. This club could be a major force in the league and a NCAA contender and must be considered for NCAA basketball picks. Health is the key for this team. The Crimson Tide has experience, skill and talent.