Note: This story was originally published on ClutchPoints.
It’s a new era for the Alabama basketball as Nate Oats prepares for his first season with the Crimson Tide.
Oats went 96-43 in four seasons as Buffalo head coach, which included three NCAA tournament appearances.
Alabama fans want Oats to bring that type of postseason consistency with him to Tuscaloosa. The Tide have disappointed in recent seasons, but they boast a roster that’s worthy of preseason top 25 consideration.
Here are five storylines to watch for Alabama entering the 2019-20 college basketball season.
5. Change in philosophy
The Tide wanted to play fast under former head coach Avery Johnson, but Oats will take things to a new level. Buffalo finished in the top five nationally in average offensive possession length and top 20 nationally in adjusted tempo the past two seasons, and Oats will try to implement the same type of system in Tuscaloosa. He has the point guard and other intangibles to do it in his first season, and that could make things tough on SEC opponents.
4. The next step for Kira Lewis
Kira Lewis is the perfect fit for the new system. Oats loves guards that can get to the rim and kick it out for open shots on the perimeter, and those are two areas that the 6-3 sophomore should continue to excel in during his second season with the program. Lewis has All-SEC First Team potential this season, and I’d argue that he’s a darkhorse candidate for SEC player of the year if his team reaches its potential. His development should be fun to watch given how he’ll be used in the Tide’s revamped offensive approach.
3. New additions
West Virginia grad transfer Beetle Bolden should provide a big boost due to his experience and toughness. He’ll form a nice point guard duo with Lewis, and Bolden will also offer a ton of value for a team that wants to pressure the ball on defense. Oats brought in a talented group of freshmen as well. While the Tide won’t have Juwan Gary available due to season-ending injury (which also applies to JUCO forward James Rojas), they will have versatile 6-3 guard Jaden Shackelford, another dynamic shooter in 6-4 guard Jaylen Forbes, and talented 6-9 forward Raymond Hawkins. Of course, Villanova transfer Jahvon Quinerly would be another impact contributor if the NCAA approves his waiver request.
2. Improving at the line
There have been a lot of frustrations for Alabama fans in recent years, and the inability to make free throws has been a big part of the equation. During each of Johnson’s four seasons, the Tide finished 307th nationally or lower in free throw percentage and haven’t shot better than 67.0 percent at the line since the 2014-15 campaign. With Alabama likely having many opportunities to get fouls at the rim this season due to the attacking style of play, drastic improvement at the charity stripe is a must.
1. The X-factors
John Petty, Herbert Jones, and Alex Reese are all three juniors, and the trio will play a significant role this season. Petty’s shooting ability is obvious, and Oats mentioned this summer that he wants to see the 6-5 junior add more layers to his offensive game. Jones can essentially play four positions and should still continue his stat-stuffing ways even in a new system. As for Reese, he’s a breakout candidate since he can offer scoring both in the lane and on the perimeter. If all three play to their potential, the Tide will undoubtedly compete at the top of the SEC.
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