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| 22. ALABAMA |
LAST YEAR: 13-16 |
'99-00 RANK: NR
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 Why No. 22?: We're banking on the Tide being healthy this season. For the first time under Gottfried, the Tide finally has depth at all five positions. Add slashing-go-to-guy scorer Gerald Wallace to a team returning center Jeremy Hays (knee injury), double-digit scoring guard Rod Grizzard, still developing scoring forward Kenny Walker (stress fracture last season) and playmaking point Terrance Meade, and the Tide should be this year's SEC version of LSU. The sleeper tag will stick especially with a soft non-conference schedule. Mark Gottfried doesn't know how long he has Wallace after he almost declared for the draft last year. Wallace could be the Tide what Stromile Swift was to LSU during his only full season with the Tigers.
Will Climb If: The Tide takes care of business in non-conference games. Alabama gets a free pass to the SEC just like LSU did last year. Alabama plays host to Louisville early in the season, which is a great time to play the Cardinals this season. Ohio State comes calling, but not until February, and even then, it's not a strong Buckeye team. The only test for the Tide could come in Puerto Rico before Christmas when the Tide could meet Cincinnati. But if Wallace is as good as he was in high school then the Tide can overcome any nagging injury problems. Once Hays is cleared to go, the Tide will have the balance needed to be a factor in the SEC West.
Will Fall If: Hays goes down again; the Tide loses games they shouldn't and Wallace is a bust. But the Tide will be judged closely without playing a tough non-conference schedule. Everything is in place for the Tide to get to the tournament for the first time since '95. Anything short of the NCAA Tournament would be deemed a major disappointment.
Bilas Breakdown | HTV's Take | Team Page
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"Not a bad slot for the Demons, but if Andre Brown can remain eligible, this is a Sweet 16 team. Last year was a slight disappointment, but you have to remember the injury to Lance Williams and the over-reliance on the Q."
Dan Montenaro, Cleveland, Ohio
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