Is Alabama Basketball Air Bag Equipped?

Anthony Grant did the best he could at Alabama. Sure, we extended his contract a bit too far but that decision lies with the administration and his agent. In my opinion, and let us all remember this is an opinion based article, Coach Grant could get talent to Alabama, but once here the development process completely broke down. From what I can remember, Coach Grant never made outrageous promises and never set high expectations. I believe Grant’s actions were more in-line with an assistant coach’s responsibility, not a head coach.

Feb 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide coach Anthony Grant walks along the court during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks dat Coleman Coliseum. Alabama won 59-51. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports

At the beginning of the end for Coach Grant, there was also a job opening at the University of Florida. I’m not sure if everyone understands how public schools work, but they have to post certain vacancies for a specified amount of time. I do know this Florida vacancy was open for months. I also know Coach Donovan is an extremely talented coach and well-connected man. However, that spot stayed open and Florida did not entertain offers. Once Coach Grant was released from Alabama, Florida put that vacancy on the market. Coach Grant lightly entertained offers from smaller schools, but ended up returning to Florida.

I don’t blame Grant. His tenure at Alabama was rough. I predicted this move even prior to Coach Grant leaving Alabama. Ask Ryan Fowler, Ryan McMunn, or the editor-in-chief of this site. I’d like to say thank you Coach Grant for coming to Alabama and trying to get things done. I know running any program at Alabama that doesn’t begin with the letter “F” is an uphill battle. I had the opportunity to talk with you several times. After the tornado, you helped carry my stuff out of my house in one of the hardest hit areas of Forest Lake. While we move on, let us not forget the heart Coach Grant has, because it is large. I wish only the best for Coach Grant as all Alabama fans should.

…but we have moved on. BUCKLE YOUR SEAT-BELTS FOLKS! We have now entered the Coach Johnson era. The man, who proved himself in the NBA for 16 years, has decided to take on the University of Alabama basketball program. If you are not excited about this move – find the nearest door and walk through it. We do not need you.

Before we even see how well Coach AJ can develop his players, fans have noticed something that Bama Basketball has been lacking for the last five years: Noise! By noise I mean excitement. We have a coach who wants to be in the spotlight. A coach who smiles constantly, a coach who wants to be the “hot stuff” on campus. A coach who does not question is abilities. A coach who held an impromptu press conference as soon as his plane landed on the tarmac in Tuscaloosa. A coach who uses social media (gasp!). A coach who attended A-Day and mingled with fans and did not find the nearest safe box to avoid the crowds of people who wanted a glimpse of the new coach.

We have a coach who took zero time settling into the Tuscaloosa culture, but instead spent his time connecting with the fans. Even more importantly, he began recruiting right away. Within 10 days of Coach Johnson being in Tuscaloosa, he managed to get Alabama’s Mr. Basketball committed to UA. He’s back on the recruiting today! The man never stops.

One quick question – Do you know how many paid tickets UA sold last year? According to Al.com, it was 10,612 which was the lowest of Grant’s tenure. Season tickets sales also dropped off by 570 pacakages. How many season ticket packages have been sold since Coach Buckle Your Seat Belt arrived? Try a staggering 500 in two weeks! This is only the beginning. Coach Buckle Your Seatbelt is here folks. AJ all the way.

Coach Johnson has let it be known he is okay with one-and-dones – something essential in my opinion to building a solid college basketball team. And let me remind you one more time he spent 16 seasons in the NBA and was an ESPN analyst afterwards. I would salivate if I could see the contacts in phone. While this is only my opinion, I bet Coach Buckle It Up has the numbers to every coach and a majority of general managers in the NBA.

Jan 17, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans during the game against Kentucky Wildcats at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Johnson is about to turn Alabama into a basketball powerhouse. First, it is up to the fans. It is our turn to show up for the games. It is our turn to be there to support the coaches and the players.

Bama Fans: We are Avery’s Army. Let’s starting acting like it!

#BuckleUp #SeatBeltsOn