Bama Hammer
Fansided

Alabama Basketball: Open practice wows fans before Canada trip

By Ronald Evans

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 14: Avery Johnson of the New Jersey Nets reacts as he coaches against the Boston Celtics at Prudential Center on April 14, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 14: Avery Johnson of the New Jersey Nets reacts as he coaches against the Boston Celtics at Prudential Center on April 14, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

More than 2000 fans watched Alabama basketball practice on Wednesday. The 2017-18 Crimson Tide made quite an impression.

The enthusiasm from fans inside Coleman Coliseum Wednesday was matched by the up-tempo Alabama basketball team. Avery Johnson, who wore a microphone throughout practice, urged fans to remember they were seeing an August work-in-progress rather than a finished product.

More from Bama Hammer

What the fans saw pleased them, particularly the new offensive firepower. Collin Sexton and John Petty showcased long range accuracy and ability to take the ball to the basket. New players Galin Smith and Daniel Giddens threw down powerful dunks.

The only small negative was Dazon Ingram being held out of the practice due to a foot problem. It is not known if the injury will limit Ingram’s play in the upcoming three exhibition games in Canada.

Take a look at the videos and photo from Twitter.

https://twitter.com/BamaRoundball/status/892913194645299200

Avery says team will push the tempo

Bama Online reported Avery’s response when asked about what makes the 2017-18 team different from last season.

"“Foot speed. We’re pretty fast,” Johnson said. “I always talked about scoring in the first five or seven seconds, that was like a little bit of a dream the first two years. It might become reality this year. It would be nice to see.”"

Alabama basketball fans will enjoy a faster tempo in the coming season. Fan expectations are high and the new roster will have to find cohesion early due to the tough out-of-conference schedule. Avery did not release a starting lineup for the Canada exhibition games. The first game is August 7 in Montreal against McGill University.

Take a look and listen to Avery’s comments about the new team and its relationship with Alabama basketball fans.

Next: 30 Great Tide Players who were 3-Star Recruits

Check in with us often as we update Alabama basketball, football fall camp and recruiting for both sports. It is an exciting time to be an Alabama fan.

Home/Alabama Basketball