Before diving into details to elaborate on what Nate Oats is seeking from Bol Bowen and Jemison, a summary is "a lot more of everything." Those were the words of Nate Oats when he spoke on Wednesday about his 'Fours', Bol Bowen, and Jemison.
Oats was explaining what he was looking for in the SEC Tournament, but the situation will be similar with added urgency in the NCAA Tournament. Aiden Sherrell cannot play 40 minutes in games, so to rest him, Alabama cannot play five guards effectively. Minutes will go to Noah Williamson, Bol Bowen, and Jemison.
Not because of lack of effort, but in points and rebounds, Williamson has been a bust. Bol Bowen and Jemison have also underperformed in relation to their physical attributes and talent.
Bol Bowen has averaged over 18 minutes per game, mostly during the first three months of a season. He has been severely restricted from practice and play by multiple injuries. Nate Oats says none of his players are currently injured, which does not mean they are 100%. But Bol Bowen and Labaron Philon are the healthiest they have been in a long time.
Since the Texas game on Jan. 10, Bol Bowen has scored in double figures in only one game. His scoring average for the season is down to six points. His season three-point accuracy is 28.4%. He has averaged 4.5 rebounds a game. In the Texas game and a few others, Bol Bowen has shown how good he can be. Alabama is in great need of his production now.
London Jemison has averaged 14.9 minutes per game, which is a good contribution for many freshmen. His rebound average is 3.4 boards. His scoring average is 6.2 points per game. Jemison has shown flashes of outstanding play. Like Bol Bowen, Alabama must have more production from Jemison. His season three-point accuracy is 35.4%, but in his most recent eight games, his outside-the-arc accuracy has dropped to 31.2%.
For an Alabama Basketball postseason run, more is needed
Alabama does not need either player to carry the team in the postseason. It does need more than a small improvement from both or a huge improvement by one of them. Nate Oats understands the importance, and no doubt both young men do as well.
Note: Player stats provided by rolltide.com and Sports Reference