Alabama head coach Avery Johnson coined the perfect term to describe Riley Norris’ game.
“Hard-hat”.
That hard-working attitude has defined Norris’ career for the Crimson Tide, which is why he is the odds-on favorite to become the team captain as the only fourth year senior on the team.
His impact is not necessarily found on the stat sheet, but the amount of hustle and grit that he brings on a daily basis cannot be denied.
He is also one of Alabama’s most effective shooting options from the perimeter, as well as being one of the most positionless players on the team, being able to play the 2-guard, 3, and the 4 at a high level.
Depending on the lineup composition that Johnson elects to go with at any certain point in the game, Norris should be able to help in many areas this season.
Inside the Numbers
Over the course of the 2016-17 season, Norris was not necessarily the most notable player on the Crimson Tide, but his impact was certainly felt behind the line, where he hit 47 three-pointers (highest total on the team).
His pick and pop ability, as well as spotting up in the corners and on the wing, are extremely valuable skills for a Tide team that hasn’t had a lot of floor spacing in the past.
If Norris can become more efficient in his shooting (33.3 percent from 3 last season), which should be achievable with the addition of more opportunity creation in Collin Sexton, as well as fellow returning creators in Braxton Key, Dazon Ingram, and Avery Johnson Jr, Norris can be one of the better three-point shooters on the entire team, if not the entire SEC.
Analysis
One of the more important aspects of Alabama having success in 2017-18 is finding leadership in their upperclassmen that was vacated by former team captain Jimmie Taylor.
One of the main players that has to step up and be that vocal leader is Norris. He already has the respect of his teammates, given his natural inclination to dive on the floor for 50/50 balls and fighting for offensive rebounds on a consistent basis.
His demeanor on the court is generally reserved and measured, so for him to take a step forward, he needs to be the same player defensively, as well as maintaining the same level of intensity and hustle.
If Norris can do that, while becoming the vocal leader and becoming a more effective shooter on the perimeter, then he is due to have a breakout season for the Crimson Tide.