Alabama hoops end regular season on high note

Earlier today Alabama hoops knocked off number 16 Vanderbilt in overtime.  Yes, the same Vanderbilt team that beat then number 1 Tennessee just a few days ago.  It was senior day in Coleman Coliseum and the only senior that plays made his presence felt.  Mykal Riley left a stamp on his last game in Coleman by dropping 26 points on 8-16 shooting and 10 rebounds.  Alonzo Gee added 16 of his own, and Richard Hendrix had another double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.  Alabama guaranteed themselves at least a .500 season by improving to 16-15 overall and 5-11 in the conference.  (Wow, it’s March already, sheesh.) 

After looking over the highlights I saw a motivated team.  It’s beyond me why Alabama played harder and wanted it more than Vandy.  Vanderbilt had a first round bye in the SEC Tourney on the line and were out played by a struggling Tide team.  Could this be the momentum used to maybe make a run at the SEC Tourney Championship?  I highly, highly doubt it, but it does give hope for the future because the talent is obviously there.  With this win, head coach Mark Gottfried pretty much kept his job, but he has got to learn how to coach.  More importantly, he has got to learn how to coach in a game under difficult situations.  Some of his decisions are not good ones and the bad ones outweigh the good quite often.  

Looking ahead, Alabama will obviously play in the first round of the SEC Tourney.  I’m not sure who that opponent will be, but it will likely be a rematch of today’s game against Vanderbilt.  Holding Shan Foster to only 21 points is impressive considering he’s a freak, but doing it in back to back games is almost impossible.  If Alabama wants to make any kind of run, they will need an effort similar to today’s, if not better.  That may just be too tall of a task. 

**In no way am I implying that Alabama will win the SEC Tourney.  Frankly, I was shocked at the result of today’s game, but confidence is a huge part in all sports, and having it this late in the season is a very good thing.  A strong performance in the SEC Tourney can only lead to high expectations in the future and team that is willing to fight because they know they can, not because they have to.   

Huge Weekend in T-town and a thank you to the fellas

Finally I have a moment to sit down, relax, and actually do something I enjoy.  These past two weeks have been extremely stressful for me, almost to the point of a breakdown or even simply giving up.  So I decided to get away from it all and come back home for the weekend and recharge the batteries. 

This may not have been the best weekend to leave under normal circumstances.  Alabama hoops host Vanderbilt this weekend and I would usually be there, but why waste my time.  Secondly, Alabama will host a Junior Day this weekend where several of the top 2009 prospects will be here showcasing their skills.  Some already have offers and others are still seeking them from the head man Nick Saban. 

Junior Days are huge events.  Sometimes even bigger than team camps.  This one should be no different.  I know that the 08 recruiting season just ended, but recruiting never ends.  Ever.  Also, recruiting is probably my favorite part of college football. 

So, here’s a short list of the 09 prospects that are scheduled to be in town this weekend:

In-State

• Kendal Kelly (WR) Gadsden City High School - Alabama offer
• Nico Johnson (LB) Andalusia High School - Alabama offer - Rivals #28 overall
• Anthony Orr (DE) Sparkman High School - Alabama offer
• Mardrecas Hood (WR) Pickens County High School
• Orwin Smith (RB) Central High School (Phenix City) - Alabama offer

Out-of-state

• Rueben Randle (WR) Bastrop, LA - Alabama offer - Rivals #8 overall
• Montrell Conner (ATH) Monroe, LA - Alabama offer - Rivals #42 overall
• Chad Bumphis (ATH) Tupelo, MS - Alabama offer - Rivals #95 overall
• Chris Bonds (DT) Columbia, SC - Alabama offer - Rivals #72 overall
• Alshon Jeffrey - (WR) St. Matthews, SC - Alabama offer

Some notables that will not be attending or still unsure about this weekend are:

• Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) Gadsden City High School - Alabama offer - Rivals #6 overall
• DJ Fluker (DT) Foley High School - Alabama commit - Rivals #36 overall
• William Ming (DE) Athens High School - Alabama offer
• AJ McCarron (QB) St. Paul’s High School - Alabama offer - Rivals #99 overall
• Tana Patrick (LB) North Jackson High School - Alabama offer - Rivals #67 

As this recruiting season is still very young, many of these names are relatively unknown.  Give it time and these names will become more common.  

Also, from a personal standpoint I want to thank some of the guys for the support they have given me these past couple of weeks.  Ghost and TideFanInTN have given me some words of wisdom and I greatly appreciate that.  Hopefully I’ll be able to contribute more to the blog world shortly because I’ve missed out on a lot of the action lately.    

Woo Pig, ERR…just kidding

While my ban on the Alabama Basketball program is still running strong, I still check in on them from time to time.  To put it lightly, I was shocked to see the final score of 59-56 in favor of the Tide in tonight’s game against the Pigs, or Hogs, of Ar-kansas (credit Les Miles with that pronunciation).  Maybe what was more shocking was the player of the game.  It wasn’t the obvious choices of Richard Hendrix or Alonzo Gee.  It wasn’t the occasional shooting spree by Mykal Riley.  No, it was Demetrius Jemison.  Jemison showed out (apparently) tonight going for 19 points and 11 boards.  If I had to guess those are probably career highs, not sure though. 

So what does this mean?  I’m going to go with absolutely nothing.  Well, in terms of this season it means nothing.  However, every win that Alabama gets is a win for Gottfried as well.  That’s a loss in my book.   I want this guy gone, but Alabama won’t get rid of him as long as he keeps pulling games out of his rear. 

What’s even more shocking about tonight’s game was the fact that Arky is head and shoulders above Alabama this year, especially as of late.  The two teams have basically been polar opposites of each other, but as Chris Berman says, “That’s why they play the game.” 

It is hard to root against your favorite team.  Actually, it’s a terrible thing.  I feel horrible about it.  Coach Gottfried is a good guy, but a horrific hoops coach.  Somebody in our athletic department…cough, Mal Moore…needs to do something about this guy.  That’s the last I’m going to say about that.  

Up next for the Tide (15-13, 4-9) is a road trip to Ole Miss on Saturday.  We all know what a road game means; a big L.  Oh well.

Colonel Reb has another reason to cry

Ole Miss got beat by Alabama on Wednesday night.  Is this a case of a blind squirrel finding a nut every now and then?  Or is this the beginning of a resurgence for the Alabama Basketball Program?  I’m going to go with the former. 

Mykal Riley led the Tide with 22 points and 7 rebounds.  Richard Hendrix failed to reach a double-double for the first time in a while, scoring only 10 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. 

The difference in the game?  Free throw shooting.  Alabama finally made the necessary free throws, especially down the stretch, that we have been looking for all season long.  The Tide was 24-32 (75%) from the charity line which is a considerable increase from the rest of the season which sits somewhere around the 50% mark.  ‘Bama will now travel to Columbia, South Carolina to play the other USC on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Alabama increased their record to 14-11 overall and 3-7 in conference play.  Still a long way to go before I’m a firm believer, and as my last post indicated, (Gottfried: Please Leave!) I still want Gottfried out.  One win doesn’t, or shouldn’t, keep him in town, but it does buy him some time.  I’m still on my official boycott of watching Alabama Basketball, but I will give credit to the guys for a hard fought victory (per my roommate).

Gottfried: please, leave!

Another year, another disappointment for the Alabama basketball team.

It has actually become quite predictable for the past couple of seasons. Yes, a missing Ronald Steele hurts, but it has been widely known that he was going to miss this season. That is not an excuse. As far as talent, Alabama might be one of the most talented teams in the nation, certainly the SEC.

So, where does it start? Head coach Mark Gottfried. Over his tenure at Alabama, he has seen plenty of success, but plenty of failures too. At times Alabama shows flashes of a great team, but more often that not, we look like a bunch of street ballers trying to impress the ladies. There are also times where we look downright dreadful.

Seriously, what is Gottfried teaching? Or is he teaching at all? Sometimes we look like 4 ferrets fighting over a greased marble. I’m quite sick of it to be honest. It’s bad when you live a hop, skip, and throw away from Coleman Coliseum and have zero desire to go to the game. Why? Because I know we will find a way to lose.

This year, like last, has been pathetic. Look at our team; Richard Hendrix is a top 5 post player in college basketball. Why does he only see minimal touches? Alonzo Gee is an athletic freak. His shot has improved, but he still takes too many difficult ones. I wonder why. Here’s a message to Coach Gottfried: Mykail Riley is not that good. I want to know why he plays every minute of every game. It’s almost like Gottfried still has a hard-on for this guy. Guess what, there is someone better on both sides of the ball that rides the pine (see Justin Tubbs).

Now for our offensive plays. Um, for lack of a better term, they’re terrible. I’m so sick of seeing our post players beyond the three point line with the ball. Why? What purpose does that serve? No one is going to guard them when they are out there, which allows for a double team on the other post guy. Hmm, that might explain why Hendrix doesn’t see a lot of touches.

In case Coach Gottfried hasn’t noticed, you have to have a balanced offense with both inside and outside scoring in order to be efficient. It’s sad that I know all of our plays by heart and I’ve never played a day of organized basketball in my life. Well, unless you count intramurals. Regardless, if I know, then I’m pretty sure the other team knows as well and can defend it.

So what has happened since Alabama’s Elite Eight run a few years ago? Disappointing season after season. First or second round losses in the NCAA Tournament, or a first round exit of the not good enoughs - but almost tourny, the NIT. Ok, so we’ve won the Puerto Rico Classic and the Las Vegas Classic in the past two years, but those championships are not the ones we need to be contending for. I can’t wait for the season opening tournament next year when we travel to Hawaii and play some real competition.

Yeah, we know Mark, we suck. It’s your fault.

Another day, another dollar, or $4 mil

I know there are some people out there that are just plain sick of this past recruiting season (Ghost).  Personally, I’m glad signing day has come and gone.  It’s time for the spring practices to gear up in a few weeks.  Actually, Alabama’s fourth quarter program begins on Monday.  However, this particular post is about recruiting this season under Saban and a bit of a comparison to the former staff here.  Not only that, I want to make my opinions heard on the fact of what a strong recruiting class can do.  Some may think that a high rated class is just on paper, which, to an extent it is, and that star rankings don’t matter.  In my honest opinion, I think it’s quite the contrary. 

Let me put this in perspective.  In this year’s incoming class for Alabama, we matched the number of five and four star players in one class as the previous staff did the entire time they were here.  Think about that.  I know the scholly limits and NCAA sanctions had a large part to do with it, but it’s still amazing to me how we met the same number in ONE recruiting season.  Do you see why we are so excited now?

Former Alabama Head Coach Mike Shula in his traditional “what the heck is going on” look.

Eli Manning’s/Michael Strahan’s Goodies

Eli Manning’s wife, Eli

“Theriously, how thexy is this?”

Thank you, Eli Manning. Even though you’re not hot, you will likely generate a lot of hits for our blogsite. And though you’re not nearly as hot as the person who formerly inhabited your “goodies” spot, you began a reputation last night of Delivering the Goods.

Hopefully, you’ll do that for our humble blogsite as well.

As for Michael Strahan, you don’t get THAT good-looking overnight, right?

On to the links of the day:

Looks like the Ol’ Ball Coach might have some extra incentive to stay put at USC (the other USC). Four more seasons and some extra retirement money can’t hurt, can it?

Here’s an interesting twist to the whole Rich Rodriguez/WVU/Meechigan/Desperate Universities/I hate you now/ well you get the picture drama that is going on. Somebody might want to drop a pair and actually get this thing worked out and kiss and make up. Quiet frankly, EVERYONE is sick of hearing about it. Then again, some universities are more pressed for $4 million than others.

As Ghost reported earlier, the Vols haven’t exactly kept a clean slate to date, and things are not looking any better. The Tennesseean reports some of the incidents over the past month and Head Coach Phil Fulmer’s new found philosophy on punishment. I know it’s a bit of old news, but who can keep count anymore?

Ah, yes, what would it be without yet another Alabama/Nick Saban bashing??? As Andy Staples of SI reports, the War of wordsof recruiting and the Presidential Election are all too familiar. Andy, is it really negative recruiting when what you say is actually true? Just some food for thought. I believe there is something written in the Bill of Rights about free speech as long as it’s true, and seeing as how you compare the recruiting world and the political world, I figured you would have known that. I guess that’s what I get for assuming things.

And finally, Phil Taylor of SI shows a kind heart for Ryan Mallet and his “hardship” transfer to Arkansas. Hey Phil, that’s life buddy, it’s part of the rules. Why should Mallet receive special treatment? Ever heard of D1-AA? Happens all the time buck-o.

Once again, I would like to thank you, Eli Manning, for stopping by. You too, Strahan. One question for you though before you go, “Will you marry Capstone King?”

Worth a shot anyway.

UA Cheerleader Meg Ingram loses fight

Her smile, her voice, her sweetness, and her fight.  She was a very small person, size-wise, but had a heart larger than any other.  She was poised and passionate about life and the people around her, and every time she came around it put a smile on people’s face.  I knew her for at least 10 years and have nothing but love for her and her family.  We weren’t the best of friends, but we shared a special time.  Separated by only two days from each other, our birthdays were usually associated together.  From now on, our birthdays will be a time to remember and celebrate a life that was so wonderful.

It was a couple of summers ago that we all first learned of Meg Ingram’s condition.  It was rough at first, but the doctors worked valiantly and saved her life then.  Months of rehab and anguish tested Meg and her family, but her never-ending strength persevered.  She was a fighter, and never gave up.  She pushed and pushed and made a remarkable recovery. 

Over time, Meg gained enough strength to carry on a steady life again, one that many of us take for granted.  She returned to UA for a few football games and spent time with all of us.  She gave everyone hope, and lifted our spirits, and that’s something I’ll never forget. 

Earlier this morning Meg lost her battle with cancer, with her parents by her side.  At one point the doctors thought it was under control, but within the past few months, the cancer resurfaced and finally took her life.  She will always be remembered as a real genuine person.  I am proud that we have a person like Meg represent UA like she did.  She will always be a roll model for us, and she will always be cheering the Tide on, except with the best seat in the house.

We love you Meg, and you will never be forgotten!  We are going to be strong in prayer for your family and we all know you are in a better place and pain free.  Thank you for the wonderful years and the inspiration that touched so many of our lives. 

Zeke Knight: We’re with you buddy, get well soon

Sometime Monday, Alabama starting LB Ezekial Knight was released from DCH medical center.  Nothing has been confirmed on why he was there, but some accounts say that he was running with some team members and passed out.  Per Alabama policy, medical information for Alabama players is not released until the family of that student-athlete has made a statement.  If you recall, Knight missed the vast majority of the 2006 season with a heart condition that required surgery.  Please keep Ezekial in your thoughts and prayers.  We’re pulling for you buddy, no matter what is going on.  At this point, football is meaningless.  All we ask is you get well soon!

picture of the year: I hope not, but it’s a goodie

I guess beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.  Oops, I just puked a little in my mouth, please excuse me.

**Courtesy of LSUfreek

National Signing Day, please hurry

Ok, so some administrative issues before I begin.  Yes, Ghost this post is just for you. 

Just kidding of course.

Back to the real issue at hand:  National Signing Day.  February 6, 2008 may give me a heart attack.  Seriously, I can’t wait for it to get here and be over.  The suspense is absolutely killing me.  Not only will BamaOnline blow up and set a record for the number of members and guests on its site, hopefully my cellular device will be blowing up with text message from the guys at BamaOnline with good news. 

There are several prospects out there who will announce their college destination on signing day that have the Crimson Tide involved.  Most notably are 5 star uber WR Julio Jones, 4 star all-world LB Jerrell Harris, and 4 star lock-down corner Alonzo Lawrence.  Lawrence hasn’t made it official that his decision will be on signing day, however with another scheduled official visit to Miami, one can’t help but wonder why he wouldn’t wait another couple days and announce on National Signing Day. 

Before I go on I would like to address a bit more of administrative issues to the US Government.  Or maybe the State of Alabama.  How about some consideration for National Signing Day to be a national holiday?  Or maybe just a state holiday?  I’m dead serious when I say that too.  Not really.  Or maybe I am serious.  Who knows.  Or maybe it’s the fact that I have a Management 300 test on signing day and the room in which I take it in has absolutely zero cell phone service.  I would just like to sit back and enjoy the ride, but no, I have to be locked in a room with 300 others taking a test in which I’m sure I’m going to fail anyway because I will not be able to concentrate. 

Now that I’m off that rant, here is a lite rundown of the remaining prospects on our board that will announce their college decision on or around National Signing Day:  Including the three mentioned earlier, 4 star DE/LB Robert Quinn (Alabama, Auburn, and North Carolina), 4 star RB Mark Ingram (Alabama and Michigan St.), 4 star DE/LB William Green (Alabama, Florida, and Auburn), 4 star DE Glenn Harbin (Alabama, USC (So Carolina that is), North Carolina, and Florida), 3 star DT Marcel Dareus (Alabama, North Carolina, and Auburn), 4 star OL Antione McClain (Alabama, Auburn, UcheaT, uh, I mean, Tennessee, LSU, and North Carolina), 4 star CB TJ Bryant (Alabama, FSU, Miami, LSU, and USC (So Cal)).  From the three previous mentioned, Julio Jones (Alabama, FSU, and Oklahoma), Jerrell Harris (Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, USC (So Cal), and Tennessee), and Alonzo Lawerence (Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, and Miami).

My list might have left a couple out, but these are the names off the top of my head.  I realize that Alabama probably doesn’t lead for all of these recruits, but I’m a homer and Alabama is always first on my list.  Regardless, this signing day will be very exciting and very hard on the heart.  As I type this I’m actually quite nervous, but this Coors Lite should calm me down a bit. 

So I say to my fellow Crimson Tide brothers, sit back and enjoy the ride, if you can.  February 6, 2008 is going to be one heck of a ride. 

caldwell sees crimson, not $$$

Alabama OL Antione Caldwell announced earlier today that he is staying put and play his senior season.  Caldwell noted that he has some unfinished business and goals that he would like to take care of and that another year will give him that much more experience.  The Tide OL is looking strong for next year, but we say that every year and there always seems to be a problem.  However, Caldwell’s decision to stay helps tremendously.  Alabama will only lose one OL starter to graduation (Justin Britt) but there are plenty of incoming freshman that may fill his position.  Look for Tyler Love, John Michael Boswell, or Barrett Jones to earn early playing time next year.  Along with Caldwell, Andre Smith anchors the Tide OL too and with their experience and knowledge, this could be the best OL Alabama has seen in years.