Alabama Basketball 2014-2015 Season Preview

Defining Your Identity

Many believe that Anthony Grant’s teams in the past have lacked identity. Although Grant is a defensive coach and has had some great defenses in the past, Alabama has lost some key games because of lack of offensive production.

In college basketball, if you don’t define the identity of your team from day one you can be derailed very quickly.

An identity can be simple, but you have to have one.

• Anthony Grant is coaching for his job – Although this isn’t a given, many called for Grant’s head last season and he was given another year. I want to see some fire out of him. Grant is a pretty quiet individual, but he has to prove that he belongs.
• Some familiar faces are gone – Trevor Releford was one of the best guards in Alabama history, but it’s time to move on, you have no choice. Levi Randolph has been selected as the team’s first captain and he needs to lead by example. With all the young talent, the future is bright, but they will have to grow up quickly and on the job.
• Turn defense into offense – Alabama has played lights out defense over the years and many times the Tide’s best offensive possessions have come in transition and off turnovers. The best defensive teams in the nation know how to turn turnovers into points and this is something Alabama has to do to be successful.

Alabama will open up the 2014–2015 season in an exhibition game on November 10 against the Montevallo Falcons. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT at Coleman Coliseum and tickets start at just six dollars.