Alabama Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMSEC BasketballAlabama Crimson TideAP Preseason NCAAM Top 25

Nov 4

Our Alabama basketball preview 2021 - 22 finds that the Crimson Tide program has been on the rise lately. That’s in no small part due to the efforts of head coach Nate Oats (42-22 Alabama/2 years, 138-65 Overall/6 years). Last year, the Alabama Crimson Tide (26-7 Overall, 16-2 SEC) finished first in the conference, won the SEC Tournament, and then got to the NCAA’s Sweet 16. It was a sweet season. The major question for Oats and the Tide is how good are they this season?

Crimson Tide Frontcourt

Our Alabama basketball preview 2021 - 22 projects that much of the front will be composed of new players. Freshman center Charles Bediako, who’s seven-foot-even and 215 pounds and a four-star recruit ranked 32nd nationally, could use more bulk if he’s going to be effective around the rim. Transfer Noah Gurley (Furman) is exceptionally versatile and could play any position on the floor. Redshirt freshman Alex Tchikou is a fine athlete and also versatile. He missed last season due to a torn Achilles. Tchikou is a real matchup problem for opponents. If forward Juwan Gary can stay healthy, the 53.9 percent field-goal shooter could have a real impact on the Tide’s fortunes.

Alabama Basketball Preview – Backcourt

There’s good news in the backcourt, as Jahvon Quinerly and Jaden Shackelford return. Quinerly, a 47.8 percent two-point shooter who hits threes 43.3 percent of the time, averaged 12.9 PPG last season. He can penetrate the lane, creating an effective inside-outside offensive game. Shackelford, who was good for 14.0 PPG and 3.8 RPG, shot 41.0/34.2/75.6. McDonald’s All-American and number 10 overall recruit J.D. Davison is a superior athlete with blinding speed. The freshman will play minutes immediately. Former McDonald’s All-American Nimari Burnett, who disappointed at Texas Tech, comes to Alabama with something to prove. The sophomore offers an accurate perimeter shot and a lot of untapped potential.