Alabama Basketball 2014-2015 Season Preview
By Nick Jones
Schedule
Last season, the Tide finished No. 2 in the nation in strength of schedule rating.
Many media members criticized Alabama’s strength of schedule under Anthony Grant in the past, so the coaching staff set out to make some major changes.
With the additions of national power houses like Duke and UCLA, along with the unprecedented success of Wichita State, the Crimson Tide quickly found itself in the midst of one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the nation.
Not to make excuses, but last year’s team just wasn’t ready for this kind of competition and it showed.
This season should bring an easier non-conference schedule that still features a mix of proven programs.
USF, Xavier, No. 11 Wichita State and UCLA all carry over from last season’s schedule and the Tide will look to redeem losses against all four schools.
Although Alabama will have to travel to Wichita State and Xavier, UCLA coming to Tuscaloosa should provide the big time non-conference game atmosphere that fans desire.
Non-Conference
We took the time earlier this fall to preview each non-conference game, so make sure to check those out for in-depth analysis of every single game.
Keep in mind, Alabama will tip-off the season in the CBE Hall of Fame Classic on November 14 against Towson in Tuscaloosa. After a three game set at home, the Crimson Tide will travel to Kansas City, Missouri to face No. 14 Iowa State and either Maryland or Arizona State.
Conference
Although Alabama was recently picked to finish tenth in the SEC at SEC Tipoff 2015, the conference should be more competitive than ever with several top teams losing key players.
The Crimson Tide also received a favorable draw this year, getting home games against No. 1 Kentucky and No. 7 Florida.
Alabama will play South Carolina twice and will only play former western division foe, LSU, once on the year.
One of the most intriguing conference matchups will come against Auburn at home on January 24 and in Auburn on February 17.
Historically the Tide hasn’t played well on the road against the Tigers under Anthony Grant. Alabama hasn’t won a game on the road in the Iron Bowl of basketball in two years.
With the arrival of head coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn basketball has quickly become relevant again. Pearl is a masterful recruiter and has already picked up several big commitments in his short time with the Tigers.
Alabama and Auburn are seemingly going in opposite directions and it will be interesting to see how this matchup plays out on the floor and on the recruiting trail for years to come.