Crimson Red Sports

Today was our chance to watch the basketball team practice and I was surprised to see the number of fans there. I say this only because of the disappointing season last year. After last year's season, I was wondering if there would be any interest in the team this early in the year but this was the biggest crowd that I have seen for the annual early practice.

I missed some of the practice but I was impressed with what I did see. I came to the practice just to see if I could notice any differences in the way the team practiced today compared to how they played last year. Most of us complained last year mostly about the inability of the long range shooting, rebounding, and free throw shooting. The part of the scrimmage that I saw was strictly about long range shooting and they finished with a free throw shooting competition where if they don't make the free throws, they have to run. This was a first for us to see them actually practicing the long range shooting as well as the free throw shooting. By the way, the last shooter had to make both of his free throws or they would run, he made them both and the team erupted with a loud cheer.

There are some injuries on the team, Obasohan and Kessens being the main two. Both of these players are coming off some off season injuries and still have a little healing to do yet. Obasohan did practice today but Kessens did not, Coach Grant is pacing Kissen so he will be ready when the season opens. Ricky Tarrant is the other injured player that did not practice but should be back on the court in short time. Ricky Tarrant is expected to add a lot to the team this season especially some good needed leadership. CAG described him as being one of those players that the others have a lot of respect for and he can get vocal at times.
 

Coach Grant had a lot of good things to say about this year's team, one thing was that he had 12 scholarship players this year which allows them to have decent practices compared to last year he was down to 7 scholarship players that were able to practice at times. For the first time in Coach Grant's career the team will have a captain. Levi Randolph was a unanimous choice of the players. The other thing that CAG discussed about the team was the excellence the players have shown in the classroom. there are some that have already gotten a degree and are now working on another degree.

There were a few of players that caught my eye tonight, Shannon Hale, Levi Randolph,  and freshman Riley Norris. Their outside shooting was impressive, there was some consistency from these three. This isn't saying the others didn't do well they just weren't quite as consistent as those three. Jimmie Taylor seemed to have more energy under the basket, CAG says he has a 7' 6" wingspan and now weighs 240 lbs and seems to have adjusted some to the college level of basketball. He still has that left handed knuckleball for a shot though and he made his free throws. By the way, he just turned 19.

There were some changes on his staff during the off season that CAG feels has added some fresh blood to the team. He named each of the new personnel and what they brought with them that should have a good impact on the team and this season. I asked him what he thought was the strong point of this year's team and he said the chemistry of it. He feels that Levi and Rodney Cooper have really become a father image on the basketball court to the other players and the response from the other players has been very gratifying.

It's early in the year but the players have been working hard for quite some time getting ready for the season to arrive. CAG feels the schedule is plenty good to get the team to it's goal of making the NCAA tournament but he was quick to say that they have got to win some games to reach their goal, something that they really failed on last year. I came away with a positive feeling about their chances but only time will tell. RTR!!

Best post of the day!  Thanks much, Jamos.

 :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

Shannon Hale (SF), Ricky Tarrant (PG), Jimmy Taylor (C), & Levi Randolph (G/F), must step up & have solid seasons for Alabama to have a chance. Hale can be a special player if he continues developing.



 :popcorn2:

Very encouraging report. Thanks, J. I hope the injuries will be healed up by the time the season starts.

If nothing else, it sounds like the makeup of this team will be completely different than any of CAG's other teams.

Did you notice #5, Justin Coleman? He is supposed to be a great ball handler & outside shooter.

Thanks for the report, J.  I'm cautiously optimistic.   :clap:

Good stuff J.

Basketball season is upon us. The first game against Towson is 11/14 which is only three weeks away.

I am looking forward to this years team. I think we have a good mix of players with experience and youth. It is good to hear Randolph and Cooper are stepping up as team leaders. I think Ricky Taylor will be a fun player to watch. We will have the deepest bench we have had in the CAG era.

We have to improve our post play if we want to achieve our goal of not only making the NCAA Tournament but advancing to the 2nd or 3rd round once we get there.

Excellent report Jamos, it got me fired up about the season. I plan to make a game or two this year and hope to see you there.

You bet, just let me know when you are coming.