5 Early Reasons To Get Excited For Alabama Basketball In 2015-16

By Taylor Sturm

5 Early Reasons To Get Excited For 2015-16 Crimson Tide

Alabama Basketball 2014-15 — Once again, the Alabama Crimson Tide performed short of expectations. This time, however, it led to a positive head coaching change that could positively transform the Alabama basketball program in a short period of time. Here are five way-too-early reasons for Crimson Tide fans to be excited about the 2015-16 college basketball season.

5. Avery Johnson’s Arrival

Avery Johnson Bama

5. Avery Johnson’s Arrival

Avery Johnson Bama — They didn’t get Gregg Marshall, but Avery Johnson could be exactly what Alabama’s basketball program needs. As a former NBA Coach of the Year, Johnson will immediately raise the standard of Alabama basketball and start to lure top recruits to the program.

4. Young Players

Retin Obasohan

4. Young Players

Retin Obasohan — Although they averaged just under 21 minutes per game last season, Anthony Grant signed two four-star recruits who showed a lot of promise. Riley Norris and Justin Coleman have the potential to be key players for Alabama, especially with the influx of talent that is expected to arrive with the coaching change.

3. Experience

Alabama Hoops

3. Experience

Alabama Hoops — If there was one thing that Anthony Grant should be applauded for doing in his time at Alabama, it was giving players playing time. Seven returning players averaged around 20 minutes per game last season. Worst-case scenario, Alabama has the most experienced bench in the SEC.

2. Returning Guards

Ricky Tarrant

2. Returning Guards

Ricky Tarrant — The Crimson Tide get back Retin Obasohan and Ricky Tarrant next season, who averaged over 18 points, five rebounds and two steals per game combined. Under a new coach, veteran leadership will be key in the success or failure of their season.

1. Something Different

Avery Johnson Alabama

1. Something Different

Avery Johnson Alabama — Alabama basketball fans are tired of being average. Avery Johnson brings with him the hope that this team can be something special. This basketball program needs that spark.

Taylor Sturm is a Featured Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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Alabama Crimson Tide

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