Let's Have Some Fun: Starting 5 Speculation for 2024 Team

[BamaMoon]

So, we'll probably have to have two starting 5 predictions since we aren't certain about Sears or Stevenson. Right now, I'm not sure Stevenson even starts next year regardless.

FIRST: Sears returns
PG: Philon/Sears
2: Trelly/Sears
3: Trelly/Reid
4. Nelson
5. Cliff

SECOND: Sears goes
PG: Philon
2: Trelly
3. Reid
4. Nelson
5. Cliff

We really have an embarrassment of riches at the 2 and 3 positions.

 

[BAMAVILLE]

I'm looking forward to taking a crack at this later today

 

[CajunCrimson]

Sears
Trelly
Reid
Nelson
Cliff

 

[BamaMoon]

I slap out forgot about Trelly. Yeah, he's a starter for sure. Man, again, what an insane amount of talent!

So are you suggesting Sears will play more PG this year?

 

[BamaMoon]

Projecting Alabama basketball's 2024-25 starting lineup & depth chart

Alabama will enter the 2024-25 season with one of the most talented rosters in program history.

collegesportswire.usatoday.com

 

[B1GTide]

My guess

PG: Philon
2: Sears if he stays - if not, Wrightsell
3: Wrightsell/Reid, depending on the opponent and Sears
4. Nelson
5. Clifford

 

[B1GTide]

I could also see a rotation that puts Philon, Sears, Wrightsell and Reid on the floor with Clifford. Impossible to defend.

 

[BamaMoon]

My guess

PG: Philon
2: Sears if he stays - if not, Wrightsell
3: Wrightsell/Reid, depending on the opponent and Sears
4. Nelson
5. Clifford

I think the easy guesses are Nelson and Clifford.

I could also see a rotation that puts Philon, Sears, Wrightsville and Reid on the floor with Clifford. Impossible to defend.

Positions 1-3 are somewhat interchangeable with CNO.

But yes, we could run a 4 guard lineup with one big against a lot of teams. It's essentially what we did last year many times.

And what's crazy is you might have Grant and Clifford on the bench and Sherrell at 5 with four interchangeable guards/small forwards and Sherrell is popping out to the 3 point line shooting 3's, cause, he can!

 

[BAMAVILLE]

This is what im thinking the season will start off as ... this is taking in consideration of Sears and Jarin in the draft:

PG: Holloway
2: Youngblood
3. Cunningham/Reid
4. Nelson
5. Cliff

 

[BAMAVILLE]

I think the easy guesses are Nelson and Clifford.



Positions 1-3 are somewhat interchangeable with CNO.

But yes, we could run a 4 guard lineup with one big against a lot of teams. It's essentially what we did last year many times.

And what's crazy is you might have Grant and Clifford on the bench and Sherrell at 5 with four interchangeable guards/small forwards and Sherrell is popping out to the 3 point line shooting 3's, cause, he can!

I agree ... we literally have the depth to play a small quick lineup, a tall lineup and a shooters lineup.

 

[BamaMoon]

This is what im thinking the season will start off as ... this is taking in consideration of Sears and Jarin in the draft:

PG: Holloway
2: Youngblood
3. Cunningham/Reid
4. Nelson
5. Cliff

No Wrightsell starting?

I mean, Youngblood and Cunningham are elite players so if Wrightsell is OK coming off the bench I am too.

 

[CrimsonTitles]

Starting 5:
Sears
Wrightsell
Reid
Nelson
Cliff

2nd rotation:
Philon
Youngblood
Cunningham
Stevenson
Sherrell

I don't think Holloway sees much action this year because we're so loaded. I think he will have an opportunity to sit back and develop. It's gonna be interesting because Dioubate is going to carve out some minutes somewhere too. And that's only 12, so I know I'm still missing someone.

 

[CrimsonTitles]

Starting 5:
Sears
Wrightsell
Reid
Nelson
Cliff

2nd rotation:
Philon
Youngblood
Cunningham
Stevenson
Sherrell

I don't think Holloway sees much action this year because we're so loaded. I think he will have an opportunity to sit back and develop. It's gonna be interesting because Dioubate is going to carve out some minutes somewhere too. And that's only 12, so I know I'm still missing someone.

I left out Mallette. He's going to have a decent-sized role also, as he's one of the best sharpshooters on the team. Man, we're soooooo loaded.

 

[BAMAVILLE]

No Wrightsell starting?

I mean, Youngblood and Cunningham are elite players so if Wrightsell is OK coming off the bench I am too.

Speaks volumes if he does start but I think he's looking more at a 6 man and limited time role due to health reasons honestly. Not sure how many more concussions he would be able to endure to keep his career going.

 

[CrimsonTitles]

Speaks volumes if he does start but I think he's looking more at a 6 man and limited time role due to health reasons honestly. Not sure how many more concussions he would be able to endure to keep his career going.

That's a good point. I've been wondering about his concussion history as well. If that was concussion number 5, then that means he's pretty much had one every year. The odds of him not having another aren't good. I'm just glad that we're so deep, and that graduates can't transfer anytime they want anymore. Nobody can tuck run away because they might be looking at less minutes. Should make for a fairly relaxing summer

 

[BamaMoon]

Good point about Wrightsell's concussion history. The good news is we are so deep at the 2 and 3 now with guys that can play either of those positions. Youngblood and Cunningham are going to feast in CNO's offense!

 

[Bama9001]

Let's not forget that Wrightsell was considered one of our best perimeter defenders. Defense will be one of the things that helps determine which of these talented guys are on the floor. Can they give him some kind of concussion helmet thingy?

 

[BAMAVILLE]

That's a good point. I've been wondering about his concussion history as well. If that was concussion number 5, then that means he's pretty much had one every year. The odds of him not having another aren't good. I'm just glad that we're so deep, and that graduates can't transfer anytime they want anymore. Nobody can tuck run away because they might be looking at less minutes. Should make for a fairly relaxing summer

Yeah I think winning will help combat a lot of personal woes honestly. This team has the potential to not only do something great ... but to also make history. That should help aid their focus this upcoming year. Again, most of these guys played for championship programs in high school and in college so the drive to compete and win will be there.

Back on Wrightsell, I was honestly surprised that he did make it back during the tournament. He's a heck of a player and I'm happy he's still able to compete so definitely wishing him success over this season.

 

[BamaMoon]

Let's not forget that Wrightsell was considered one of our best perimeter defenders. Defense will be one of the things that helps determine which of these talented guys are on the floor. Can they give him some kind of concussion helmet thingy?

Good question. Couldn't look any sillier than when someone wears a big mask for a broken nose.

 

[Bama9001]

Would love to know how the guys there the last couple years feel about getting 30+ minutes in our games. We run up and down the court at a super fast pace. Seems like you need at least two guys that can play winning basketball at every position.

New players coming in take some time to get used to the pace and having to play offense and defense at that pace while not turning it over or committing some type foul/violation. Lot going on that requires some adjustment (and constant focus).

We should probably look for experienced guys to start early with some of the newcomers helping out with more and more minutes as the season wears on.