2006 Alabama Crimson Tide Basketball Preview

2006 Alabama Crimson Tide Basketball Predictions

Alabama has talent, experience and fresh faces. The Tide will contend in the Tournament for the sixth straight year in a row. Last season they finished second in the SEC West. Let’s see why many believe that this Crimson Tide team is Final Four bound.

Junior Ronald Steele (14.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.3 APG, 41.6 FG%, 89.2 FT%) gave serious consideration to entering the NBA draft but decided to stay another year. This was a godsend to Alabama, since Steele possesses backcourt leadership, skills and smarts that no one else on this team can match. Sophomores Alonzo Gee (8.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 48.4 FG%, 51.4 FT%), at swing, and Brandon Hollinger (2.3 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 33.3 FG%, 73.7 FT%), at guard. have experience and will see more minutes this season.

Last year forwards Jermareo Davidson (14.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 47.7 FG%, 74.6 FT%) and Richard Hendrix (9.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 0.8 APG, 55.7 FG%, 64.7 FT%) developed a strong chemistry up front. Senior Davidson can block shots, rebound and score from the outside. Hendrix, now a sophomore, played tough on the boards but needs to take it to the basket with more authority. Alonzo Gee will look to play inside also, as will first-year guys Demetrius Jemison and Avery Jukes. Freshman center Yamene Coleman—at 6’ 9” and 230-pounds—comes off a redshirt season having build up his big frame. He’ll be a force on the boards.

In eight years as the head coach at Bama, Mark Gottfried is 190- 96. Last season’s mark of 18- 13 overall and 10- 6 in the SEC West should be eclipsed in 2006- 07. Gottfried has built a club with a core that has plenty of scoring potential. Add to this, Alabama’s above average ball handling, rebounding and defense and you’ve got a dynamic team.

Both inside and outside games are sound and although the bench is primarily manned by freshmen, five of the Tides returning six players played in all 31 games. That’s important experience and team chemistry. Watch out everyone, Alabama’s a contender!

If you want more info on the 2006 Alabama Crimson Tide College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the LSU Tigers and Mississippi Rebels.