I just got home from an entertaining evening of watching a Bama practice and then enjoyed a delicious Full Moon BBQ meal with Coach Grant and the team. All of the players and coaches actually sat amongst the fans in a scatterd way and enjoyed a meal as well. Coach Grant ended the evening explaining to all of us his feelings and expectations of the team this year and a question and answer session with the fans. Coach Grant, coaches, and players were really classy toward the fans.
Most of us remember from last year of how much intensity the team played with, well you can add a little more to it this year. As I looked at some of the players that seemed a little heavy last year, that is no more. Moussa Gueye and Nick Jacobs are two in particular, I hardly reconized Gueye. The players are really being pushed on their conditioning and that is a must for their brand of basketball.
I'm sure all of you want to know about Devonta Pollard. He is a lanky young man that will need some time with the team trainer, but he is earning his spot on the team. His lack of body bulk could hurt him some this year, the SEC is a tough conference. He's a lefty and I did get to see him pull up on a three pointer and drill it. It will take him a little time to get adjusted to college basketball but he should be a good one.
This team is young in age but highly experienced and that should make a difference this year. Andrew Steele is the only senior on the team and he's nursing a groin injury right now. As I watched the 4 freshmen from last year I could see a big difference in them from last year, they knew what they were supposed to be doing. Releford and Randolph had a very good one on one battle in the scrimmage and I would say they were about even as to who got the best of the other. Gueye and Jacobs also had a good battle around the rim and Gueye has gotten better. Engstrom didn't practrice due to a left foot injury. I was surprised there were no injuries tonight, because it was a very physical practice.
Bama has a tough schedule this year and this can be a big plus for them come tournament time, but they have got to beat some of these highly regarded teams in the tournaments. CAG thinks the SEC will be a tough conference this year and that should also help their SOS come tournament selection time.
I hope some of you get a chance to see the team play this year at Coleman, it's a lot more fun at the game than it is in the recliner. Roll Tide!!
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