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#28 Alabama Crimson
Tide
Southeastern
Conference
2004-05: 24-8, 12-4, 1st
West
2004-05 postseason:
NCAA
By
Joel Welser
Alabama loses a ton of players
heading into the 2005-2006 campaign, however there is plenty of
talent led by Ronald Steele, Chuck Davis and Jermareo Davidson.
The amazing lack of backcourt players behind Ronald Steele, will
cause some problems, but the frontcourt is talented, and
versatile, enough to fill in.
Who’s Out:
Kennedy Winston and Earnest Shelton are the big losses. Winston
averaged 17.9 points and 5.4 rebounds as a junior and left the
program to go undrafted into the NBA. Shelton started every game
at the two guard spot averaging 16.2 points and was the team’s
biggest long range threat. The absence of roleplayers Albert
Weber, Shawn Taylor, Akini Adkins, Lucky Williams and Jason
Reese doesn’t help either. At least Weber would have had the
opportunity to play had he stuck around after averaging 2.2
points per game as a freshman.
Who’s In:
Richard Hendrix is the star of the
class. The 6-8 power forward is a solid rebounder, can face up
at mid-range and has some nice moves in the post. Despite the
depth at the position, Hendrix will still see plenty of minutes.
Alonzo Gee is the most important newcomer. In an effort to keep
Chuck Davis at the four, there aren’t a lot of options on the
wings. Gee, listed as a small forward, will most likely be
starting at the two guard. The 6-5, 180 pound Palm Beach
Gardens, Florida product won’t have a problem at either wing
spot. He’s a solid shooter, although streaky at times, and
should fit in nicely with the Bama system. Brandon Hollinger
isn’t ready to see too many minutes, but if returning point
guard Ronald Steele needs a break, Hollinger’s name will be
called. Yamene Coleman will throw his hat into a crowded
frontcourt. Coleman has the potential to be a solid player, but
shouldn’t see too much action this year.
Who to Watch:
Chuck Davis and Jermareo Davidson
make this a great frontcourt and the depth there isn’t an issue
with Evan Brock and the Richard Hendrix. Jean Felix is poised
for a breakout year, but this team will live and die with Ronald
Steele. As a freshman last year, Steele averaged 7.9 points and
5.0 assists. The point guard only turned the ball over 2.0 times
per game and this is a tremendous ratio for a freshman. The
problem is the lack of depth behind him will cause Steele to be
on the floor for 35 minutes a game. Steele needs to stay healthy
and fit down the stretch or the Tide could burn out.
Projected
Conference Rank:
A 3rd place finish in
the SEC will have Bama back in the NCAAs. The overall team depth
is an issue with Coach Mark Gottfried most likely going eight
deep once the rotation is set. The talent is there, but after a
long season, the Tide will be tired down, especially the
backcourt.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting
Five:
Ronald Steele,
Sophomore, Guard, 7.9 points per game
Alonzo Gee, Freshman,
Forward, DNP last season
Jean Felix, Senior,
Forward, 5.6 points per game
Chuck Davis, Senior,
Forward, 13.9 points per game
Jermareo Davidson,
Junior, Forward, 7.6 points per game
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