After watching Vanderbilt reach the NCAA Tournament in 2017 with 19 wins – the exact same number of wins as Alabama – it was clear that the Crimson Tide’s schedule needed to add some beef.
Consequently, Avery Johnson challenged the Tide with an impressive non-conference schedule full of difficult games.
This is not one of those games.
Alabama A&M, a member of the SWAC, has been one of the worst Division I basketball programs in recent years. A&M went 2-27 last year and have already incurred losses to Ohio (61-53) and Samford (87-68) this season.
Alabama, meanwhile, is making a splash to start the season. The Tide have opened with quality wins against Memphis and Lipscomb even though they’ve been without leading-returning scorer Braxton Key and senior glue-guy Riley Norris.
This matchup and next week’s game with UT-Arlington are part of the opening of the Barclays Center Classic which will culminate next week with games in Brooklyn against BYU and No. 14 Minnesota.
Players to Watch
Arthur Johnson (Alabama A&M)
Johnson is a 6’2 JUCO-transfer guard that is shooting 50 percent from three this season (5-of-10) after an impressive 45 percent mark at Lawson State Community College last season.
He’s averaging 17 points and seven rebounds through two games. Against Samford, he surprised with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting before fouling out.
De’Ederick Petty (Alabama A&M)
Petty is a 6’0 sophomore guard from Birmingham. So far this season, Petty has done the most damage by getting to the free throw line. Against Samford, Petty managed to shoot 10 free throws.
Overall, Petty is a volume scorer who needs a bunch of shots to get his scoring totals on most nights.
Donta Hall (Alabama)
More than half of Hall’s buckets this year have been dunks since he is a highlight machine. If he gets any room at all around the basket, the generally mild-mannered big man is going to angrily flush the basketball.
He’s also been a defensive stalwart this season, blocking four shots a game. Only one player on Alabama A&M’s roster is above 6’7 which should lead to be more shot-blocking opportunities for Hall.
Avery Johnson Jr. (Alabama)
The coach’s son has quietly been having a great start to the year. Though names like Collin Sexton and John Petty have stolen his thunder, AJ has come up with some clutch scoring in the middle of games, helping Alabama seal some victories in the process.
Protecting the ball against heavy pressure is Johnson’s Achilles heel but he has developed an arsenal of offensive moves that are difficult to stop.
How Alabama A&M Can Win
It’s going to be tough. A&M’s best bet is to get Alabama’s depleted roster into foul trouble as early as possible like Memphis did.
The Bulldogs should attack the basket whenever possible looking for contact. If they can get Alabama in foul trouble, it could loosen up the Tide’s defense while also making Alabama’s offense more timid about attacking the basket.
How Alabama Can Win
Alabama needs to push the tempo up to max level. This team has been at its best when it gets in transition and attacks the rim. A few rim-rocking dunks on fast-breaks will send the crowd at Coleman Coliseum into a frenzy and get Sexton going.
Against Lipscomb, it was obvious when the dam broke and the game was over—on a fast break, Dazon Ingram gave the ball off to Sexton who made a no-look pass to Hall for a monster dunk.
The team responded to the crowd’s energy and put Lipscomb away immediately.
If Alabama can get the crowd involved early on Friday, then it may be a long night for the visiting Bulldogs.
Prediction
Alabama gets a little sloppy on defense and muddies the game with some unnecessary fouls, but controls the game from start to finish.
The walk-on chants start early and the Tide cruise to a big victory.
Phil’s Prediction: Alabama 97-Alabama A&M 58