Folks are wanting to push out our 3rd best player from 22-23 like we’re the 95-96 Bulls and it’s hilarious.
I think it is going to be our best roster ever by a fairly wide margin. Wrightsells minutes are almost surely going down and wouldn’t shock me to see him come off the bench at some point. Also with his injury history we have the guards to fill in for him without it nearly derailing the season like it almost did this past year. But the idea of processing him or whatever is ludicrous. Dude is a sniper.
One thing if Sears does come back, I don't expect him to have to play 38 minutes every game. Guy labored hard the last couple of weeks in the regular season. I like Wrightsell a lot. He is as pure of a shooter as I've seen at Alabama and is an above average on-ball defender. I just worry he's one elbow to the dome away from never playing again. Still a couple of pieces to figure out but if Sears comes back and we land Cliff then there's not a more talented roster in college basketball. With one of them I still have that opinion and without both of them it's still a top 10 roster as it sits now.
a piece? Fuck that. He gets the whole thing. Nate Oats Arena has a nice ring to it. Or name the court after him.
I tend to agree but it would be a multi sport complex so that might be tougher. He def gets a statue out front though.
Looking like Ed Woods the Arizona state defensive back is headed to Michigan State, per on3 predictions
There's got to be some balance between what yall are describing as CDB's recruiting MO (disregard recruiting rankings, recruit to your scheme) and how Saban approached recruiting. CDB will need to find that balance in order to be successful. You don't just flip the script on the greatest recruiter in the history of the sport. You should definitely keep some of his infrastructure and processes in place. But even more importantly, you can recruit to what you want roster/scheme wise and also recruit elite athletes. These aren't mutually exclusive concepts. The jury is definitely still out on whether CDB can recruit in the SEC and on an elite national level. To be clear, I'm not saying he can or can't. Much like Wommack, it's an unknown. We only have a tiny sample size for his recruiting ability at UA thus far. I do think that if he intends to build a roster full of 3 star diamonds in the rough we likely won't reach the level of success that we could if we recruited elite high profile athletes. I know he has a history of winning at a high level doing this , but the SEC and UA are not developmental leagues/programs. Very few programs in the SEC win consistently and at a high level by developing a roster full of 3 stars. Hopefully he can bridge the gap between both concepts.
Pretty positive he's just gonna get the evaluation. I'd be pretty shocked if the feedback was "stay in the draft" at this point in his career, but who knows. Obviously it happened with Clowney last year, but Clowney was a little bit different.
Doubt he gets a grade that’s good enough for him. But that’s the name of the game when we land highly rated kids. It is what it is. I’m sure he will be told he has alot to work on and to go back to school. He’s not nearly as ready as Clowney was. Wayyyy too soft. The good news is he hit the draft process. But didn’t say the portal and draft process. So he will be back if he doesn’t get what he wants.
Can’t believe Oats is letting Red Snoopy leave without a commitment. Not sure he has what it takes to win long term here.
A little bit different? That's an understatement. Clowney was an elite defender and rebounder who showed much better offensive potential over the course of an entire season than Stevenson who for 99% of the year was a horrific defender and rebounder.
Sounds like his camp really wants him at UNC. He likes Alabama But his camp is going to be the one pulling the strings it seems. We will see how this plays out. Still trust in Oats and co.
https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-c...r-talks-return-to-alabama-reflects-on-season/ Someone post pls?
It’s been a fun stretch for Alabama hoops recently. Over the past few weeks, the Crimson Tide have made it to the first Final Four in program history and picked up commitments from a trio of transfers. This past weekend, Bama added elite in-state point guard Labaron Philon to their 2024 class, which is No. 3 in the nation. And, on Monday, Grant Nelson announced on social media that he would be forgoing the NBA Draft and returning to Alabama for another season. The North Dakota State transfer from a year ago averaged 11.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks for Bama in his 2023-2024 campaign. That includes a combined 33 points and 27 rebounds against North Carolina and UConn during the NCAA Tournament. His father, Nels Nelson, says it came across as an “easy decision” for his son to return to the Tide. “Well, he loves all the coaches and the team. It worked out so well for him to stay another year,” Mr. Nelson told BamaOnLine. “The SEC and Alabama are just top-notch. He was so impressed by the high level they play at.” Over the past nine or so months that he’s been on campus, Nelson has meshed well with his coaches and teammates. “I just think that’s a good family fit for him,” Mr. Nelson said. “The way it sounded, it was a good deal for him to stay at Alabama. Hopefully this team has what it takes to win the whole thing this year.” Nelson’s father had high praise for Nate Oats and Alabama’s entire staff after going through the official visit experience last year. How much of a role did Oats play in Nelson’s decision to stay another season with the Tide? “I believe a lot,” Mr. Nelson replied. “Just the other coaches, like Pannone and those guys. They’re just top-notch. Every part of that staff is out working with the players, so you just feel like you’re a part of a great family. “The attitude that [Greg Byrne] puts forth for that school and their teams, it’s unbelievable. I’m highly, highly impressed.” BOL TV: CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BOL YOUTUBE CHANNEL! (FREE) Nelson’s father has an “unbelievable amount of trust” in Alabama Making the move from North Dakota State to Alabama was not an easy one for Nelson. Nelson was born and raised in Devil’s Lake (N.D). He spent three years at North Dakota State, where he racked up plenty of accolades with the Bisons. Tuscaloosa was over 1,000 miles away from his friends and family, but Nelson knew he needed to make this move to further develop his skill set. Nelson’s father said one aspect about Alabama, in particular, made this transition that much easier for his son. “Family. You go there and pretty much feel like you’re a part of a family,” Mr. Nelson said. “I can call any of the coaches. They might be busy, but they’ll call me back. Anyone in the administration will tell me how Grant is doing if I ask. That’s what family does.” Photo credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports The impact of Byrne, Oats, Ryan Pannoneand others at Alabama cannot be understated. Nelson’s father says that trust that they developed during last year’s recruiting process has only continued to get stronger. “When you feel like you’re an honorable man and that you’re dealing with honorable men, that’s what makes a good family and a good community,” Mr. Nelson said. “Unbelievable amount of trust. I never heard them waver on anything. They’re just right-on. That’s what it takes to build great things.” Living in a city with a population of less than 8,000 people, the way that Bama embraced Nelson has been cherished by the entire community. You may also like Four Michigan players make PFF's top-50 big board for 2025 NFL Draft, including No. 2 and 4 overall prospects Alabama freshman forward Jarin Stevenson makes decision on future, NBA Draft Karen Weekly explains Tennessee's plan to sweep Alabama in Tuscaloosa “I just want to share that our hometown — Maddock, North Dakota, in the Devil’s Lake area — is so proud of Alabama and the SEC for taking care of Grant Nelson,” Mr. Nelson said. “I’ll advertise for Alabama the rest of my life. I love this stuff.” Bama presents a “great” situation for Nelson Reflecting on the season, Nelson’s father acknowledged the ups and downs that his son dealt with while transitioning to a new school and conference. Nelson had his struggles with several SEC games in which he finished in single digits scoring, but showed off his potential during some key games, including his 22-point outing in a home win versus Florida. Mr. Nelson could not have asked for a better season than what they were treated to. “I said it was about time when he got his feet under him,” Mr. Nelson said. “It was so fun when he took off and played extremely well. So proud of him, of his whole season. Fantastic stuff… I’ve got to put it this way – Nate Oats coaches in a unique way that I respect. He allows the team to be the team, and it showed. That’s why I believe they won. “Win or lose the game, I just felt like the team was a little uncoordinated for a while,” Mr. Nelson continued. “When they came together, they won. It was just fantastic. It was like watching a baby grow up and finally be able to walk.” Interestingly enough, the highlight of the Final Four run for Alabama were the two games in which his son did not have a high scoring output. “Somebody asked what was the best game I watched during March Madness, and I said it was the two games in Washington,” Mr. Nelson continued. “Grant wasn’t even a part of a lot of that, but it was the team that won those two games. That’s what great coaching is.” Alabama has received commitments from transfers Aden Holloway (Auburn), Chris Youngblood (USF), and Houston Mallette(Pepperdine). They’re also adding what is currently the No. 3 recruiting class in the country with Aiden Sherrell, Derrion Reid, Labaron Philon and Naas Cunningham. Mark Sears entered the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility. “I think the team they’re trying to build could be phenomenal. They could have a season that would probably hit the record books if everything goes how they wish,” Mr. Nelson said. “I think [Oats] just picks good people around him, too, so that makes his job easier. That whole Alabama system, man, they do things good.” Nelson’s father also expressed excitement for this upcoming season. He is looking forward to seeing how he continues to develop and the way his NBA Draft status will improve throughout the year. He, and the Nelson family as a whole, continue to be very satisfied with where their son ultimately landed. “Tuscaloosa itself, they treat him good, too,” Mr. Nelson said. “We went out and ate a few times while I was there, and I think he just likes that hometown feeling. It’s got a hometown feeling to it. He loves basketball so he’ll be fine wherever he goes… but when you put the package together, it makes it great.”
Nelson’s dad sounds like a dude. Keeps in touch without stepping on toes. A lot of positive recruiting in that interview.
Man what a ringing endorsement of Oats and his style of coaching and mentoring. Awesome. Hope Nelson improves a bit on his 3 point shooting (I’d imagine he will when he’s able to play more as the 4 and another offseason with Oats) because if that starts dropping he could have a great year. Once he got a little more comfortable down the stretch the light turned on for him but he was still overmatched at the 5. He just isn’t a 5. Once we were able to get more line ups out there with him at the 4 he was so much better. He builds on that and he’s definitely got a chance to make a roster at the next level.
ago New Add bookmark #1 - The Clifford Omoruyi - Rutgers Scarlet Knights - Center (on3.com) visit went well, per sources. The trip was basically one day, strictly business where Nate Oats and staff rolled out the red carpet. The Bama staff does this as well as anyone, so not surprising it went well. As Tipton reported, Cliff is expected at North Carolina on Thursday. Still think this one is working itself out. These things can change quickly, but Bama is still battling here. The teams involved can change. In fact, the Kansas State side who once thought it was out, now think it is still in it. Too early to make a call and a lot to sort through. So, a lot of moving parts. - Ugonna Onyenso - Kentucky Wildcats - Center (on3.com) not being an entrant in the NBA Draft was a bit of a surprise. Several people expected him to test the waters. With him coming back to college, Alabama is a team he's interested in. We've talked to a few sources who told us that other colleges, who were involved in his recruitment, believe he will end up at Alabama. As we've noted a few times, it is not believed UA could take both big men. But at the end of the day, that is something for the coaches to decide. But a rim-protecting big is a priority for UA. - Everyone we spoke to expects Jarin Stevenson - Alabama Crimson Tide - Power Forward (on3.com) to be back next year. Now, that isn't a given and we've seen in the past some players end up choosing to stay in. But it was expected and most see it as a smart move for Stevenson to see where he stands and where he needs to improve. We will be watching this one, of course. But that is the early feedback. Many feel he's poised for a breakout season next year. - The status is the same with Mark Sears - Alabama Crimson Tide - Point Guard (on3.com). He is going through the NBA Draft process, and the feedback will determine what he ultimately does. But he is not opposed to another year in college, and those closest to him expect an educated decision, which is all you can ask for at this stage. - The Bama staff is leaving no stone unturned. If there is talent out there, they are doing their due diligence. So, it wouldn't be a surprise to see some new names pop up. As we've noted several times, there will be more interest than spots available, which is a great spot for Alabama. But not every player who mentioned UA will be pursued. Just an FYI.
Didn’t have all of this uncertainty with the Ben Eblen’s of the world. Wish we could go back to that.
I mean I read it, but he posted something similar with a Clifford the Big Red dog thing a few days ago didn't he? Hopefully we're just waiting on Tipton to finish up a sick edit for the Cliffster.
question: are there rules stopping us from taking sears and his 800k for example off scholarship to have room for one more