New coach search...

[TidePride50]

I love the "wants the challenge." That means he's ready to come in and go to work. I can't wait for his energy.


RTR '14

 

[drwho]

My fear isn't whether he will feel at home with elite talent, or even if he can attract elite talent. My one fear (and I do think he's the best option available) is whether he can manage the behaviors of a group of college kids. Can he keep them on the straight and narrow and make the right disciplinary choices when they stray? I know recruiting in college is a different beast, but I think managing behaviors is the biggest difference between an NBA coach and a college coach. From everything I know of him, I think he can do it, and do it well, but it is a LOT different than making sure Devin Harris, Josh Howard, and Dirk Nowitzki are happy.

I think having a college kid will help tremendously in that regard.

 

[Ldlane]

I'm on board with CAJ, especially since he called Battle. Shows he actually wants to be here and this may be a destination job for him since it was what he wants.

 

[rgw]

I like this direction more the more I think about it. I like the vibes we're getting from Avery Johnson. He seems to be into this opportunity.

 

[Ldlane]

Lucky is saying that both Prohm and Johnson have met with Battle. Prohm will accept if offered and Johnson will if it financially meets his needs. Johnson is currently the leader and look for the conclusion within 24 hours. I'm OK with either.

 

[Athens-LA-Tide]

Yep, I've had a good night's sleep on it and done with my coffee. I'm completely on board with coach Avery Johnson myself. No offense to Prohm, but AJ just has our needs met a lil more and Prohm will be excellent to watch grow. I would almost think if Prohm continues to work hard, his time at Bama will come, but for now Roll Tide to Avery Johnson, lets do this.....

 

[BamaMTA06]

My point is that Alabama became a "one and done" or "two and done program" in Grant's six year tenure without the benefit of NBA type talent. Whether it was discipline, legal, playing style, or personal issues, many players never stuck around long enough to develop and contribute to the program. The UNC's, Dukes, and UK's can weather that storm. Alabama can't.

Go back and look at Grant's entire tenure and recruiting classes. The ones that remained we not "hang your hat" on types of players. If the best you're going to do is predominately 3*, a few 4* and an occasional 5* player, you better find a way to keep as long as you can to develop them.

Much of Grant's classes should have been placed on the back of a milk carton because they were packing almost as soon as they arrived.

My point is you just described college basketball as a whole. Grant did not live up to the expectations. There were are a lot things I wish he would have done differently. I can't pile on and blame things on him that are not outside of the college basketball norm. I think Lacey was his fault because he'd still be here if we had a better offensive flow. Everyone else transferred because they weren't going to get the PT they wanted.

I'm a little nervous, but I am intrigued by the AJ hire. I think he needs to hire a staff familiar with the college game. I'd add one or two coached with Bama ties. I'd think about brings another NBA can who is a competent assistant.

 

[Ldlane]

My point is you just described college basketball as a whole. Grant did not live up to the expectations. There were are a lot things I wish he would have done differently. I can't pile on and blame things on him that are not outside of the college basketball norm. I think Lacey was his fault because he'd still be here if we had a better offensive flow. Everyone else transferred because they weren't going to get the PT they wanted.

I'm a little nervous, but I am intrigued by the AJ hire. I think he needs to hire a staff familiar with the college game. I'd add one or two coached with Bama ties. I'd think about brings another NBA can who is a competent assistant.

Playing time is also controlled by the HC and shows his judgement of who is ready and who isn't !

 

[AlexanderFan]

Playing time is also controlled by the HC and shows his judgement of who is ready and who isn't !

Exactly. We have a football roster full of elite talent that only transfers when in serious trouble, or a terrible log jam at their position. I see neither on the basketball squad.

 

[Athens-LA-Tide]

I was thinking, Avery Johnson was a teammate of Robert Horry for some huge wins and rings.

 

[RTR91]

AlabamaIntel still suggesting the idea of Mike Davis or TR Dunn joining the staff as assistant(s).

I believe Avery can recruit well because of his charisma along with that ring he wears from the 1999 NBA season.

 

[RTR91]

I was thinking, Avery Johnson was a teammate of Robert Horry for some huge wins and rings.

They were only teammates for one year - 1992 Houston Rockets.

 

[DocCrimson]

CAJ as head coach and CMD as associate head coach? I REALLY like that plan if both men are interested. I think Prohm would be a decent hire, but CAJ would probably have the best resume out of the entire SEC West the day he started (with apologies to Howland and Barnes, but no apologies to Pearl).

 

[RTR91]

Something to consider for those wondering about Avery's ability to transition to the college game - he's been in Bristol for a few years and had the ability to talk to college analysts.

 

[drwho]

I don't watch much ESPN, has he been in the studio or on broadcasts for any college games?

 

[Athens-LA-Tide]

Wow, good call. Thanks, yep Avery is a lil more traveled as a player than I thought.

They were only teammates for one year - 1992 Houston Rockets.

 

[CrimsonForce]

I don't watch much ESPN, has he been in the studio or on broadcasts for any college games?

I think mostly in studio work..

 

[GreatDanish]

AlabamaIntel still suggesting the idea of Mike Davis or TR Dunn joining the staff as assistant(s).

I believe Avery can recruit well because of his charisma along with that ring he wears from the 1999 NBA season.

I do believe Johnson's success may be determined by whether or not he surrounds himself with knowledgeable and experienced college guys. Whether it is Dunn/Davis or someone else, I don't care. Speaking of assistants, Antoine Pettway always kind of reminded me of Avery Johnson.


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[RTR91]

I think mostly in studio work..

Yep. I'm not sure he's done any games. He does analyst work.

 

[pchil86]

@GoodmanESPN: Avery Johnson has made a verbal agreement to coach at Alabama, sources told ESPN. Contract details being finalized.