Bama Game Thread: MBB Bama vs Texas - Sat Jan 10 7p CST ESPN

[HsvFan58]

I agree with everything Bullocs1 has said, which is why I'll reiterate what I said about never winning a NC with Oats style of play. Yes, we'll win our share of games but it's not a formula for winning a NC. It's really amazing to me with all the constant running up and down the court for an entire game that players even have enough energy left to shoot the basketball and play defense. I guess that's why they foul so much. It gives them an opportunity to catch their breath.

 

[dayhiker]

I agree with everything Bullocs1 has said, which is why I'll reiterate what I said about never winning a NC with Oats style of play. Yes, we'll win our share of games but it's not a formula for winning a NC. It's really amazing to me with all the constant running up and down the court for an entire game that players even have enough energy left to shoot the basketball and play defense. I guess that's why they foul so much. It gives them an opportunity to catch their breath.

Go read CrimsonCajun's response to Bullocs1. His response applies to your response as well.

 

[jjv0004]

This is Oats worst team. I don't think it's close. He made a major mistake with roster construction not having quality bigs. And until he can figure out how to coach defense or get guys that will play defense, he will not win a title.

 

[bullocs1]

Strong first take for a new member. Please make yourself familiar with the rules. There won’t be much leash for you if you test these rules. Ignorance of them won’t be an excuse. Please acknowledge you read this with a thumbs up emoji.

I been watching Bama games ever since I was a kid. Yes Nate Oats has brought a winning attitude to the school. Now it would be great if this group of players would buy in like the other guys did that made it to the final four. Do I think they have the talent to go far, absolutely when then play hard on both sides of the ball. Hopefully, they will play better tonight against Mississippi State.

 

[BAMARICH]

This is Oats worst team. I don't think it's close. He made a major mistake with roster construction not having quality bigs. And until he can figure out how to coach defense or get guys that will play defense, he will not win a title.

I'm not quite ready to go that far because of the potential of this team. Going back to the offseason, my biggest beef was taking so many "potential" guys from the portal. In previous years, our practice was to typically bring in older, proven performers from the portal. Players like Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Aaron Estrada, Chris Youngblood, Noah Gurley were all-conference performers... albeit in lesser ones than the SEC. And other guys were usually players who offered a proven skillset... guys like Houston Malette (5th in WCC in scoring), Clifford O (3 blocks per game), and Dom Welch (led A-10 in made 3's per game). Occasionally, there would be a "potential" guy like Mohamed Wague and Nimari Burnett that could end up being a lottery ticket.

This past offseason, the only guy fitting the mold of the first group was Noah Williamson... who was the Patriot POY. Notice the other three guys... Bol Bowen was an 8 pt/5 rebound per game guy from FSU as a sophomore, Bethea was a 7 pt. per game guy at Miami as a freshman, and Bristow was the WAC freshman of the year at Tarleton State. Where do they "fit" in the other two categories? At best they're in the second group and Bethea and Bristow might end up being in the third.

IMO, IF you're going to go this route rather than the traditional one, you HAVE to have strong coaches who can bring out that potential and they have to stay healthy. Are any of the four transfers better on our team than they were with their teams last year? If you primarily brought in players in the latter two categories, if they get hurt early they probably return from injury in the same place they were last year (see Youngblood last year, Bethea/Bristow this year). Besides the lack of defensive intensity and general competitiveness on this team, we're where we are because these transfer portal additions have been a "whiff" to this point.

 

[CajunCrimson]

I've been thinking about this a while. He's stocking his team with lean, swift, ball handlers that can shoot. We have no thick-bodied bowling ball on our team. Allen and Jemison are strong -- but still lean vs what we are seeing from other teams.

I don't think this is the worst team, and far from it. I think we will likely be a Sweet 16 team at least, and then it's about 3pt shots and if they fall.

We are getting a bit spoiled...but that's normal when you start winning.

Right now, we need to solve Philon's funk -- whatever that is (injury or attitude) -- similar to what he had to do last year with Mark...

We are missing our Big Center from last year -- but beyond that, we should be okay.

I like TBB, but he's too tall to be a 2 or 3, and too thin to be a 4 or 5, so he's a weird tweener, and I see him working hard, but he's just to thin to make an impact.

I think this team will come down to how Philon, Aden, Allen, Jemison, and Sherrill play --

Everyone else is a complementary player -- I was hoping Bristow would be a worthy 4, but he's not.

It will be okay -- sometimes we need a little "funk" before we can "dance" -- so to speak!

 

[CajunCrimson]

I been watching Bama games ever since I was a kid. Yes Nate Oats has brought a winning attitude to the school. Now it would be great if this group of players would buy in like the other guys did that made it to the final four. Do I think they have the talent to go far, absolutely when then play hard on both sides of the ball. Hopefully, they will play better tonight against Mississippi State.

Thanks for posting. Glad you are a long time Bama Hoops fan. We allow veteran posters to have some leash and be vocally "anti" or negative, because over time, they've earned it. AND when it goes too far, we do try to reel it back in. There should be some good/bad, positive/concerned blend from new posters. Otherwise, we worry it's a "troll" in disguise OR someone that's just not understanding the tone of our site/board!

I appreciate the deeper post! RTR!

 

[BhamToTexas]

I can’t believe we have some fans bailing on the season already. I still think we are a good team and will make a run in the conference and the tournament.

 

[BAMARICH]

I've been thinking about this a while. He's stocking his team with lean, swift, ball handlers that can shoot. We have no thick-bodied bowling ball on our team. Allen and Jemison are strong -- but still lean vs what we are seeing from other teams.

I don't think this is the worst team, and far from it. I think we will likely be a Sweet 16 team at least, and then it's about 3pt shots and if they fall.

We are getting a bit spoiled...but that's normal when you start winning.

Right now, we need to solve Philon's funk -- whatever that is (injury or attitude) -- similar to what he had to do last year with Mark...

We are missing our Big Center from last year -- but beyond that, we should be okay.

I like TBB, but he's too tall to be a 2 or 3, and too thin to be a 4 or 5, so he's a weird tweener, and I see him working hard, but he's just to thin to make an impact.

I think this team will come down to how Philon, Aden, Allen, Jemison, and Sherrill play --

Everyone else is a complementary player -- I was hoping Bristow would be a worthy 4, but he's not.

It will be okay -- sometimes we need a little "funk" before we can "dance" -- so to speak!

I’m hoping Bristow will get better. Unlike Williamson, he’s been hurt. Like you say, with TBB, he is who he is… I’m not certain why we needed him when we needed another Sherrill type (bigger, stronger guy). Hoping we have an alpha or two rise up on this team.

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

This is Oats worst team. I don't think it's close. He made a major mistake with roster construction not having quality bigs. And until he can figure out how to coach defense or get guys that will play defense, he will not win a title.

I think this is the most talented team yet, but we just have to find the right mix/combo...

 

[Coach D]

I think this is the most talented team yet, but we just have to find the right mix/combo...

I would argue the 22/23, 23/24 and even maybe last year had more talent. But depends on how you’re defining talent.

 

[BAMARICH]

I would argue the 22/23, 23/24 and even maybe last year had more talent. But depends on how you’re defining talent.

That's a good comment. "Talent" in CBB today varies. Oats has said on multiple occasions that this year's team probably is the best shooting team he's ever had here. However, are we "more talented" than other groups if we can't play defense or rebound? More than ever before, it's about the mix of players that you have... that and everyone understanding/embracing their role.