Crimson Red Sports

For four years, he was a cult hero of the Alabama basketball program.

Now 7-foot-2 Swedish import Carl Engstrom will be finding somewhere else to play basketball. The fourth-year junior decided to leave the Crimson Tide, the school announced Tuesday evening. He will pursue options in Europe, a news release stated.

http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2014/04/alabama_7-foot-2_swedish_cente.html#incart_river

 :(

Being a big, tall, slow bb player just isn't cool anymore.

Believe me, Carl, I understand.   :dunno:

Engstrom leaving is not a big surprise. I do not think this will hurt us next year. I think we will have better options.

Jacobs is the other that may leave.

I really hope Jacobs stays.


 :dog:

If Engstrom goes to Europe, it will probably take him forever to get there.  :lol2:

Seriously, I wish him well in whatever he does.

 :lol:

Will it not open up a scholly for next year? If so, there is a seven footer up in your part of the state that stated he was going to Wake Forrest but the rumors are that he might change his mind. I've seen some video on him and he is very athletic and a pretty good high school player. :dunno:

What are our chances, J?

There has been talk since the end of the year Engstrom would not be back. It will open up a scholly for the late signing period. CAG has been looking at several players. He is hoping to sign a power forward who can rebound. Every name I have seen shows several teams also looking at them so I do not know who if anyone we may get.

With Engstrom gone and Jacobs getting/staying eligible it leaves a big hole at the center position. Taylor is the lone returning player there now but Michael Kessens, 6'9" forward transfer, could provide some help. Kessens has a weight problem as Taylor does but I haven't seen him play yet. I thought Bama had a good chance to lure him away from Wake Forrest until Bruce Pearl took the Auburn job. :dunno:

I hope he doesn't end up at the barn,  :-\

These are the four players I know we are recruiting for the 2014 late signing period:

Jeff Garrett 6-7 210# SF Oldsmar, FL

Adonis Delarosa 6-11  280# PF New York  Official Visit 2/12

Gerald Smith  6-5  Carbon Hill, AL  Official Visit 2/12

Jackson Davis 6-8 210# Lexington, KY  Official Visit 2/18

They could be others I have not heard about. Jeff Garrett looks to be the most likely if I had to guess. He has already made his official visit and is coming back on his own for A-Day.

Rumors on the Scout Message Board say Nick Jacobs is getting his off the court issues worked out and most likely will be back next year.  :dunno:

Reading about Garrett is very uninspiring. No real major college program has offered him a scholarship. Hopefully, he's a sleeper.


 :(

There are very few if any top 100 players for next year that is not committed. Every player still out there is either waiting on an offer from a bigger (better) school or has issues like grades or discipline.

I would not be unhappy with Garrett. He fits a need for us. He is about Shannon Hale's size but does not have the outside shot. He is a good rebounder.

I look for incoming freshman Riley Norris to play some key minutes next year. He is 6-7 190#. He needs to put on some weight but he is a good player. He can stretch the floor with his outside shooting like Shannon Hale. He played for 6A Albertville and was first team all state. He is a Top 100 recruit. He averaged 21 pts and 12 rebs. He is #3 on the list of all time rebounders in the state. He has a high basketball IQ.

I see what you say pmull. I would much rather have a 6' 7" guy with talent than have a 7' 7" guy who can not move very well. I look forward to see some of these guys you all talk about, playing next year. RTR!

Engstrom had the size and ability to protect the rim. Jimmie Taylor can do that but no one else currently on next years roster can. We will miss him when Taylor is not in the game unless Kessens can fill that void.

I think the futher development of Taylor may have helped make this decision.

Cecil just tweeted that Algie Key will transfer.

I'm not sure he ever had intentions on staying for a 5th year. He received a medical red shirt when he got injured early in the season last year. He has graduated. I don't think his decision to leave caught the coaching staff by surprise.

This is a surprise but I do not blame him. He wants playing time and we are loaded at his position.

And he didn't seem to have much to contribute this year.   :dunno:

BINGO! With Tarrant playing, Key saw the handwriting on the wall.



 :dog:

I just read on another board that Jeff Garrett is expected to sign with us on April 18. He is also being recruited hard by USF, Oregon State and Murray State.

He is considered one of the top uncommitted players available. Apparently we were recruiting him hard and backed off until he got his eligibility/academic issues in order. That could explain why he did not sign in the early period and why no bigger name schools are still looking at him.