If you’re an Alabama basketball fan, it’s highly likely that you’re feeling a little disappointed and wondering how a such an incredible season that once had tremendous promise seems to be slipping away. You’re probably a little frustrated with the coaching of Nate Oats, and coming to the sad realization that there are some chinks in this team’s armor. You were probably hoping for a fond farewell for all-world guard Mark Sears (Final Four? National Title?), and now you’re wondering if the Tide will even make it past the first round of the NCAA tournament.
It’s right to feel this way. After all, the Tide has lost four out of its last six games and has slid to third place in the SEC standings with a conference record of 12-5.
Place a bookmark on that thought and let’s come back to it. For a moment, let’s put things in perspective. Rewind 10 years. If you’re an Alabama fan, ask yourself, “Would I be happy with a 23-7 overall record and 12-5 record in the SEC?” Absolutely I would. “Would I be satisfied with a season sweep of Kentucky and a potential 2-seed in the NCAA tournament?” Absolutely I would. Would I be satisfied how this program is situated in the national conversation? Absolutely I would.
Now back to the discussion.
Alabama has a bevy of problems—some minor, some not so minor—and these issues need to be attended to quickly or there will indeed be a quick exit come March Madness.
Here are some areas of improvement:
1. Lack of Defensive Commitment.
When Alabama wants to defend, it will likely get a “W.” When Alabama doesn’t want to defend, it will likely get an “L.”
It’s that simple.
Last season, it was evident that sometime in the month of November, Alabama made a commitment to putting the screws to people defensively—and it paid off. The Tide was languishing in early season play but Oats turned up the heat and the Tide got better. And nobody had to ask; it was evident that Alabama had made significant changes on the defensive end of the floor.
I have been waiting for the same thing to happen this season—it just hasn’t. Alabama wasn’t committed against Missouri, Florida, and Auburn. The result was that Mizzou hung 110 on the Tide, the Gators 99, and Auburn 94.
Overall, the goal should be to limit teams to less than 35 points at the half, and over the last 10 games, Alabama has done that on 3 occasions (Mississippi State, Texas, and Arkansas – incidentally, all wins).
Here is a look at the number of points the Tide has allowed by halftime in each of the last 10 games:
Florida 41 Loss
Tennessee 38 Loss
Mississippi State 27 Win
Kentucky 40 Win
Missouri 59 Loss
Auburn 42 Loss
Texas 31 Win
Arkansas 34 Win
Georgia 28 Win
Mississippi State 39 Win
As I said, the goal ought to be to limit the other team to 35 by halftime and to less than 80 by the end of regulation, and I firmly believe that the team’s commitment on the defensive end will be the number one factor in Alabama’s ability to turn this season around.
2. Inbound Plays
One of the biggest head-scratchers is Alabama’s inability to run an effective inbound play. Normally, the Tide breaks under-the-basket pressure by lobbing a pass over the top to Omoruyi, who then hands the ball off to a guard. Oftentimes, the pass isn’t exactly on the mark and the pass catcher is nearly falling out of bounds. Alabama’s inability to get the ball in bounds against Tennessee with less than four seconds to go in regulation ultimately proved to be fatal.
It may not seem that inbound plays are that important in the overall scheme of things but consider how many times a team throws the ball in from out of bounds. Instead of putting the team in position to score, inbound ineffectiveness has become a serious detriment for the Tide.
3. Free Throws
One of the best opportunities to score in basketball is when the clock isn’t running and no one is guarding you, and Alabama’s free throw woes and free throw defense continue to be problematic. Against Tennessee, Alabama’s failure to pinch down on a Vols’ free throw attempt led to a four-point possession, and a failure to block out in a critical situation on Wednesday against Florida led to more points for the Gators in the waning moments. I’m not going to mention any names, but Alabama must learn to block out on free throws and not stand around like it is viewing objects in the Smithsonian.
Block out, pinch down, be tough, and go get the basketball.
What about offensively? Here’s a look at Alabama’s free throw shooting over the last five games:
Florida 17-for 25 (68%)
Tennessee 17-for-26 (65%)
Mississippi State 15-for-18 (83%)
Kentucky 21-for-25 (84%)
Missouri 15-for-21 (71%)
If Alabama hits its free throws, it beats Florida and Tennessee. Let that sink in.
4. Effort.
Contrary to popular belief, I believe you can teach effort. A long time ago, my dad told me I wasn’t being aggressive enough on the basketball court. I didn’t believe him and pleaded my case. Then, as a middle-aged adult, I came across some old tapes of me playing high school basketball. And you know what? The old man was right. I wasn’t being aggressive enough. I was too timid.
Is Alabama timid? No. But Alabama can be more aggressive. Alabama can go harder after loose balls. Alabama can try to slap the ball out of an offensive player’s hands when he is four feet from the basket and brings it down below his waist. Alabama can do a better job putting the defensive dagger in and closing out when the offensive player creates space but finds himself in trouble. Alabama doesn’t have to stand there with its hands up in the paint and not try to alter shots.
Block the shot! Send it over into the third row! Don’t give up easy baskets!
If you are going to foul, foul!
In some instances, I believe that Florida simply wanted the loose balls more on Wednesday, but part of the issue was that ‘Bama players were too hugged up to their man and not in help defense to react. Regardless, it seemed like Florida got almost every loose ball. That shouldn’t happen, especially on senior night in Tuscaloosa.
Summary
Now that I’ve been a little outspoken, please allow me to be outspoken in a positive way.
Alabama has the talent. Alabama has the players. And yes, Alabama has the coach to make a deep run in both the SEC and NCAA tournament. All the pieces are there but figuring out how all those pieces work together to build a well-oiled machine is often like solving a Rubik’s Cube.
Looking ahead, big, physical teams (see Auburn, Florida) are going to create problems for the Tide, and the triumvirate of Nelson, Stevenson, and Omoruyi are going to have to lock down and defend.
Unfortunately, the schedule isn’t in the Tide’s favor. Instead of drawing Terhune or Loogootee, Alabama has its biggest test of the season on Saturday when it travels to The Jungle and tries to snatch a victory from the jaws of Auburn.
Yes, Alabama’s problems can be fixed. But whether they can they be fixed before time runs out on this season is the biggest question for Oats and the Tide.
One thing is clear: Alabama is simply too good of a basketball team to let this season slip away, and it will be an absolute shame if it does. TG
