Alabama Basketball Opponent Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores

The fourth-ranked Alabama basketball team looks to stay undefeated in league play as it travels to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt on Tuesday night.

The Vanderbilt Commodores are currently 9-8, and 2-2 in the SEC. The Commodores have beaten South Carolina and Arkansas in conference play, while losing close games to ranked teams in Missouri and Tennessee. Their resume also features a quality non-conference win over Pittsburgh. Vandy opened its season with a loss to Memphis, who Alabama beat back in December.

Jerry Stackhouse’s squad is led by senior Liam Robbins, a skilled seven-footer that averages team-highs of 13.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. Robbins is a good post player, but could have a hard time with the length, athleticism, and depth of Alabama’s frontcourt.

Junior Myles Stute is a solid combo forward, averaging 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting over 42 percent from the three-point line. Due to Vandy’s lack of size, Stute serves as an undersized big at 6’7” and 215 pounds. He is the most dangerous perimeter shooter on the roster, and has hit at least four three-pointers in five games.

Junior Tyrin Lawrence gives Vanderbilt a big guard on the wing at 6’4”, and is averaging 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Senior wing Jordan Wright also adds physicality at 6’6″, contributing 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Senior point guard Ezra Manjon, a UC-Davis transfer, averages 8.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Even playing on the road and with major controversy swirling around the program, Alabama basketball should be able to take care of Vanderbilt. Robbins doesn’t get much help on the interior, which could result in freshman forward Noah Clowney having a field day. Alabama, who is the nation’s top rebounding team, could annihilate Vandy on the glass.

The Commodores are also small in the backcourt, playing two sub-6’0″ guards significant minutes. The Crimson Tide will field a bigger and more talented team across the board, but must remain hungry.

With a win, Alabama basketball would move to 6-0 in the SEC, including 3-0 on the road.