Alabama Basketball Player Previews: Devonta Pollard

Mar 24, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American forward Devonta Pollard (21) poses during a photo shoot for the 35th McDonalds High School All American Game to be held at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The Alabama Crimson Tide basketball season is quickly approaching, with the Tide hosting an exhibition game against Stillman College on November 6th. The season gets officially underway on November 9th as Alabama hosts South Dakota State as part of the 2K Sports Classic.

With the season so close, BamaHammer writers John Mitchell, Nick Jones, and Chris Dodson are previewing each of the ten players on scholarship for the Crimson Tide. Make sure you keep up with the previews as a new player will be previewed each day.

Here’s the schedule:

10/29: Retin Obasohan
10/30: Devonta Pollard
10/31: Rodney Cooper
11/1: Trevor Lacey
11/2: Nick Jacobs
11/3: Levi Randolph
11/4: Carl Engstrom
11/4: Moussa Gueye
11/5: Trevor Releford
11/5: Andrew Steele

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The only true freshman in Anthony Grant’s rotation this year is highly touted forward Devonta Pollard. Pollard was one of the nation’s top recruits in the Class of 2012 and shook up the recruiting world with his decision in early June of 2012.

The 6-foot-8 Mr. Basketball in the state of Mississippi chose Alabama over Georgetown, Missouri, Texas and LSU.

The 2012 season was sure to bring uncertainty on the low block for Alabama after leading scorers JaMychal Green and Tony Mitchell departed to the NBA. But, Anthony Grant hit the recruiting trail and handpicked a versatile player in Devonta Pollard.

Pollard brings an interesting play style to Tuscaloosa. He is by far Alabama’s most athletic forward, and could provide some help in the transition game. Although Anthony Grant’s offense is based around set pieces and rotation, a more athletic lineup could shake things up.

Devonta Pollard also brings a high-scoring mentality. Keep in mind, he was a high school senior last year, but he put up some amazing numbers. He led Kemper County High to the state 3A championship while averaging 23.8 points, 15.7 rebounds and 5.1 blocks. Pollard also brings a much improved outside game. He doesn’t make his living from behind the arc, but he can hold his own with his fluid left-handed jump shot. Judging from his high school numbers and film, Devonta Pollard is a complete post player.

Anthony Grant offered his comments on Pollard after the first week of practice:

“He’s doing well. Obviously as a freshman, there’s a lot to learn in what the expectations are, the system and what-not, but … the veteran guys have done a good job of helping that learning curve for him. He has a very high basketball IQ as well, so he’s been able to pick things up.” Grant described Pollard as “a basketball player,” then noted that this team is a little undersized. “So we’ll play a variety of different lineups, key in a lot of players and ask them to do a lot of different things.”

It is still unknown how much playing time Pollard will see early in the season for the Crimson Tide. If he plays up to his ability and hype, he could be starting out of the gate. Anthony Grant has shown he doesn’t have a problem playing talented freshman early in their careers.

Either way, from off the bench or in the starting five, Devonta Pollard should have a major impact for Alabama as a freshman. Alabama is a team with beaming young talent. Devonta Pollard is no exception and should be an exciting player in Anthony Grant’s proven system.