5*Pittsburgh
Alabama is decimated by graduation and Mo William's early departure to the NBA.With Erwin Dudley and Kenny Walker gone, Alabama will most likely start Chuck Davis and Evan Brock,two unproven sophomores..Kennedy Winston will start at small forward.Winston has talent,but he plays out of control most of the time.Alabama's struggles began when Winston was incorporated in the lineup after the first 10 games.He did not defer to Dudley or Walker and simply tried to create too much when it wasn't necessary.I believe he will once again try to do too much,especially since he is not playing with any established players.Here is a breakdown of Alabama's probable lineup:
PG-Antoine Pettway-usually provides a spark off the bench.Inherits the position by default.Pettway is a decent player,but he is more of a shooting guard.
SG-Earnest Shelton-Inconsistent with his jump shot.This allowed defenses to collapse on Walker and Dudley last year.Defenses will be able to play tight on him since Alabama has no inside presence.Shelton also dislocated his ring finger(shooting hand) 3 days ago.He is probable for Friday's game.
SF-Kennedy Winston-has injured knee
PF-Chuck Davis
SF-Emmett Thomas-Thomas showed flashes last year.If he is on the court,Winston may move to PF.
Pitt has suffered some losses as well,most notably Brandin Knight,but they return several key players.
PG-Carl Krauser takes over for Knight at the point.Have to be honest,don't know a thing about him other than he averaged 6 points a game last year and the Pitt coaching staff is high on him.
SG-Julius Page-This will be his team now that Knight is gone.Look for a big season.
SF-Jaron Brown-A solid versatile performer who averaged 11 points last year.Good defensive player.
PF-Chevon Troutman-Big East 6th man of the year.Will provide solid inside presence for the next two years.
C-Toree Morris-has good size(6-10) and is somewhat experienced.
Gameplan-Alabama's personnel losses are obviously more severe than Pitt's.Most importantly,Pitt will enjoy a coaching advantage.The Pitt players supported Dixon's hiring and will want to perform well in his first game.Gottfried has proven only that he is a good recruiter.Alabama's offense was described by Kentucky assistant David Hobbs as the easiest to defend in the SEC.
Keys to the game:
1.Brown's defensive capabilities prevent Winston from having a monster game.
2.Troutman has his way with the inexperienced Tide front line.
3.Page's big game capabilities win out.
PITT BY 15
[This message was edited by Low Tide on November 21, 2003 at 03:56 PM.]
[This message was edited by Low Tide on November 22, 2003 at 10:26 AM.]
[This message was edited by Low Tide on November 24, 2003 at 12:44 PM.]
[This message was edited by Low Tide on November 25, 2003 at 01:01 AM.]
Alabama is decimated by graduation and Mo William's early departure to the NBA.With Erwin Dudley and Kenny Walker gone, Alabama will most likely start Chuck Davis and Evan Brock,two unproven sophomores..Kennedy Winston will start at small forward.Winston has talent,but he plays out of control most of the time.Alabama's struggles began when Winston was incorporated in the lineup after the first 10 games.He did not defer to Dudley or Walker and simply tried to create too much when it wasn't necessary.I believe he will once again try to do too much,especially since he is not playing with any established players.Here is a breakdown of Alabama's probable lineup:
PG-Antoine Pettway-usually provides a spark off the bench.Inherits the position by default.Pettway is a decent player,but he is more of a shooting guard.
SG-Earnest Shelton-Inconsistent with his jump shot.This allowed defenses to collapse on Walker and Dudley last year.Defenses will be able to play tight on him since Alabama has no inside presence.Shelton also dislocated his ring finger(shooting hand) 3 days ago.He is probable for Friday's game.
SF-Kennedy Winston-has injured knee
PF-Chuck Davis
SF-Emmett Thomas-Thomas showed flashes last year.If he is on the court,Winston may move to PF.
Pitt has suffered some losses as well,most notably Brandin Knight,but they return several key players.
PG-Carl Krauser takes over for Knight at the point.Have to be honest,don't know a thing about him other than he averaged 6 points a game last year and the Pitt coaching staff is high on him.
SG-Julius Page-This will be his team now that Knight is gone.Look for a big season.
SF-Jaron Brown-A solid versatile performer who averaged 11 points last year.Good defensive player.
PF-Chevon Troutman-Big East 6th man of the year.Will provide solid inside presence for the next two years.
C-Toree Morris-has good size(6-10) and is somewhat experienced.
Gameplan-Alabama's personnel losses are obviously more severe than Pitt's.Most importantly,Pitt will enjoy a coaching advantage.The Pitt players supported Dixon's hiring and will want to perform well in his first game.Gottfried has proven only that he is a good recruiter.Alabama's offense was described by Kentucky assistant David Hobbs as the easiest to defend in the SEC.
Keys to the game:
1.Brown's defensive capabilities prevent Winston from having a monster game.
2.Troutman has his way with the inexperienced Tide front line.
3.Page's big game capabilities win out.
PITT BY 15
[This message was edited by Low Tide on November 21, 2003 at 03:56 PM.]
[This message was edited by Low Tide on November 22, 2003 at 10:26 AM.]
[This message was edited by Low Tide on November 24, 2003 at 12:44 PM.]
[This message was edited by Low Tide on November 25, 2003 at 01:01 AM.]
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