Alabama Basketball 2014-2015 Season Preview
By Nick Jones
New Faces
During his time at Alabama, Anthony Grant has proven his recruiting prowess. Over the past five season, Grant has posted some of the Crimson Tide’s most successful recruiting classes in program history and this season is no different.
Devin Mitchell
Devin Mitchell will be one of several guards looking to fill in where Trevor Releford left off on the offensive side of the ball.
The 3-star, 6-foot–4 shooting guard has reportedly been shooting well during his short time in Tuscaloosa. Although the shooting guard position has a solid starter in Retin Obasohan, Anthony Grant’s system allows for a good amount of playing time for three to four guards per game.
Mitchell could be the answer that the Tide needs from outside. Alabama has struggled mightily in the past with three-point shooting.
Look for him to see minutes early in the season with Ricky Tarrant and Retin Obasohan recovering from offseason injuries.
Justin Coleman
The 4-star, 5-foot–10 guard has been a staple in the state of Alabama for years now.
He led the Wenonah High School (Birmingham, Alabama) to state championships his junior and senior year and has been regarded as one of the top players in his class since his sophomore year.
What Coleman lacks in size, he makes up for in explosiveness and ball skill.
Look for him to function as more of a true point guard, instead of a scoring guard like Trevor Releford.
It will be interesting to see how Coleman and transfer Ricky Tarrant split time at the point. I’m guessing the decision will come down to offensive efficiency and experience to start the year.
Jeff Garrett
The 6-foot–7 forward from Oldsmar, Florida seems explosive and athletic for his size. Although he will probably be limited to playing the four position most of the time, he will fit in nicely with Alabama’s existing talent at forward.
Garrett shot decently well at the Hoops on the Quad event a couple weeks ago and looked pretty impressive in the team’s scrimmage.
He will provide a great option for a big line-up while playing the three or even relieving sophomore Shannon Hale down the stretch.
Riley Norris
Riley Norris is another Alabama product that has been the face of basketball in the state for a couple years.
The 4-star, 6-foot–7 forward earned a reputation for being one of the best shooters in the state during his high school years and really shows some promise on both ends of the floor.
Like Devin Mitchell, if he can continue to shoot well in college he will be an extremely valuable asset for the Tide alongside Shannon Hale.
Norris had a great afternoon at Hoops on the Quad and should see some action early and often.