Alabama Basketball Non-Conference Schedule Preview

1 of 5

Mar 10, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide mascot and Crimson Tide cheerleaders entertain fans during the second half of the fourth game of the SEC tournament against the Mississippi Rebels at Bridgestone Arena. Alabama won 81-73. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Alabama basketball head coach Avery Johnson is entering his second season with the Crimson Tide. Let’s take a look at the non-conference schedule his squad will face.

Alabama basketball unveiled their non-conference schedule recently, revealing what the first two months of the 2016-17 campaign will look like. Much like last season, this portion of the schedule is a mix between challenging and more manageable opponents, providing opportunities for the team to both gain easy wins and potentially test itself against high-level teams.

ICYMI: Alabama Football Fan, Burn Victim, Visited By Dre Kirkpatrick

While every game on the Alabama basketball schedule is important for the Crimson Tide, there are five games listed that will be especially impactful in determining what position Alabama will find itself in as conference play begins in January. Adding to the importance of these contests, only one of the five will be played in Coleman Coliseum.

1. Dayton Flyers (November 15):

Nov 17, 2015; Dayton, OH, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Dazon Ingram (12) and Dayton Flyers forward Kendall Pollard (25) go for the ball during the first half at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Last season, Alabama’s trip to Ohio was one to forget, as Dayton defeated the Crimson Tide 80-48. Although Dayton’s season ended disappointingly in the NCAA Tournament, this veteran squad is returning four of its five starters and should be a very formidable opponent. Dayton combines this veteran core with a solid recruiting class and deep talent, resulting in a very good team that will provide an early test for Alabama. Fortunately for the Tide, this game will be in Tuscaloosa, giving Alabama a better chance than the matchup in Dayton last season did.

Dayton isn’t normally listed in rankings of the country’s elite programs, but this team should easily make the 2017 NCAA Tournament and has the roster to potentially make a deep run. They were clearly better than Alabama at this point in the season last year, but the door is open for the Crimson Tide to avenge last season’s matchup and build momentum early in the schedule. This is the third game in the schedule, and Alabama will hope to gain its footing against Faulkner and Coastal Carolina before this November 15 showdown.

Next: Texas Longhorns

Home/Alabama Basketball