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Alabama Basketball: Tip for Tide fans, ‘don’t look away’

By Ronald Evans

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 10: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 10: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Avery Johnson, Alabama basketball motto has been, “Buckle Up.” For the 2017-18 season, it may become, “Don’t look away.”

Alabama basketball fans know all about the infusion of talent collected by Avery Johnson. Tide fans are ‘buckled up” and ready for great results in Avery’s third Alabama basketball season.

Many Crimson Tide fans realize freshman Collin Sexton will likely be a top ten pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. What fans may not know about the electric Sexton is that he is fast. So fast none of his teammates can come close to his speed.

In the practice video below, you can see the explosive combination of Sexton and fellow freshman, John Petty. After a break for a foul-shooting drill, watch the team sprints. Collin zooms way past all his teammates.

In 2017-2018, Avery Johnson will utilize Sexton’s speed to trigger a fast-paced offense. Gone are the days of dribbling the clock down without creating a good scoring opportunity.

Push, push, push led by a zooming Collin Sexton

Alabama basketball will still use half-court sets but only as a second option. The first option will almost always be to push the ball upcourt in transition, even after opponents’ made baskets.

Run, run, run, push, push, push, all led by a zooming Collin Sexton. Our tip for Tide fans, “Don’t look away.” If you do you are likely to miss something.

Bama Online’s Charlie Potter observed the recent practice and made this observation.

"Sexton and Petty were a cohesive duo during two-on-one drills. Jones and several other flexed their versatility by knocking down threes and slamming home dunks. The viewing portion of the practice session oozed with the athleticism that was advertised."

The word is the guy often finishing second in the sprints was big man Daniel Giddens. Check out Giddens below.

Imagine Sexton leading a break with Petty and Giddens trailing on the wings. That is a powerful image Tide fans can look forward to in 2017.

Here is another video showcasing the shooting talent and charisma of young Mr. Sexton, taking a last shot at practice.

Next: A closer look at the six new players.

All the players interviewed after practice talked about team chemistry. Excitement and optimism are pre-season norms. If Avery can mesh the talents of a deep roster into court chemistry, many wins will follow. “Don’t look away,” you might miss something.”

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