The Future of Alabama Basketball and Anthony Grant

[GP for Bama]

Cecil Hurt pointed out.....this was the worst home loss since we lost to Clemson on 1/1/08 by 26. Worst home SEC loss since 2003.

 

[Bama Reb]

We were just out matched inside tonight. We absolutely have to find some legitimate inside basketball players, somewhere, somehow.

[Trying really hard to say what's on my mind and still staying within TF posting rules]

It's really difficult for a poorly performing basketball team to recruit quality players. Quality players want to follow a path to the NBA, and they can't do that with poorly performing teams because those teams are rarely scouted for 'NBA quality' players. As a result, those players very rarely even put such a school on their list of schools to visit. To solve that problem, and to land those quality players, you have to first start by hiring a quality coach who knows how to hire quality assistants who, besides himself, know how to recruit quality players.
We had to do that for our football team, and we've seen the results. There's no reason that I can think of as to why we can't do that with our basketball team as well.

 

[CoachJeff]

I don't want to see TR Dunn as our coach. I'd love for us to throw some money at Gregg Marshall. We'd probably have to go to the "it" mid major coach and hope it works out.

When you look at it we've averaged 23 wins a year in the last 3 years before this tailspin.

The problem is who could replace Grant. I'm not sure there's a for sure better alternative.

 

[BamaMike05]

When you look at it we've averaged 23 wins a year in the last 3 years before this tailspin.

The problem is who could replace Grant. I'm not sure there's a for sure better alternative.

Yet 1 NCAA tournament in 5 years.


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[CoachJeff]

Yet 1 NCAA tournament in 5 years.


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Yeah, he's the only Bama coach never to have won an NCAA game since they expanded to 32 teams (not even 64).

My biggest worry is that Grant gets another year and then does just good enough to keep the job for 2-3 years. If he makes the tournament next year as a 12 seed and then wins 20 games the year after with an NIT berth Bama won't fire him.

 

[Crimson1967]

We'd probably have to go to the "it" mid major coach and hope it works out.

That's how we got Grant.

Like everyone else, I was excited about his hire and felt the team was progressing the first three years of his tenure. I don't want him fired midseason unless there are off the court issues, but unless he rights the ship, I think this may be his last season.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

This is not in a game thread. This is about the topic of the thread. If I am overboard Earl or LD will let me know.


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He's absolutely correct. There's nothing at all wrong with his post, so long as it's not stuck in the middle of a game thread. I wish what you were saying were true, but I still just don't believe it's going to happen. We still have a substantial buyout with Grant and, if he holds it together, a very good recruited class coming in. In some ways, it makes sense to have the group come in, if it holds together, see what he can do with it, and, if the results are similar, go ahead and replace him then. Replacing him with an interim HC almost inevitably results in the loss of most of a highly-rated incoming class. I'm not saying it's a scenario I approve of, it's just one I can easily see happening. Also, the first time I heard it, it was being put by a BOT member. However, if we finish the season with a total collapse and can see a possible earlier change...

 

[RTR91]

I think we already are a major laughing stock.... Sounds bad but, I hope we lose out at Battle sees more AU fans at Coleman than BAMA fans... He is a marketing guy so, I bet he would understand empty seats and cancelled season tickets.

People on twitter (fans and media members) already talk about a replacement. We're seen as a bad team right now. If Battle keeps Grant, we'll become a laughingstock for showing the status quo at Alabama isn't very high.


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[RTR91]

Yeah, he's the only Bama coach never to have won an NCAA game since they expanded to 32 teams (not even 64).

My biggest worry is that Grant gets another year and then does just good enough to keep the job for 2-3 years. If he makes the tournament next year as a 12 seed and then wins 20 games the year after with an NIT berth Bama won't fire him.

For a guy that was at Alabama when Shula was coach, you should remember the Elite Eight run.

He's absolutely correct. There's nothing at all wrong with his post, so long as it's not stuck in the middle of a game thread. I wish what you were saying were true, but I still just don't believe it's going to happen. We still have a substantial buyout with Grant and, if he holds it together, a very good recruited class coming in. In some ways, it makes sense to have the group come in, if it holds together, see what he can do with it, and, if the results are similar, go ahead and replace him then. Replacing him with an interim HC almost inevitably results in the loss of most of a highly-rated incoming class. I'm not saying it's a scenario I approve of, it's just one I can easily see happening. Also, the first time I heard it, it was being put by a BOT member. However, if we finish the game with a total collapse and can see a possible earlier change...

We can't lose these recruits. They've already signed their LOIs.


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[CoachJeff]

For a guy that was at Alabama when Shula was coach, you should remember the Elite Eight run.


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I do remember that. Fun times.

 

[BamaMTA06]

That's how we got Grant.

Like everyone else, I was excited about his hire and felt the team was progressing the first three years of his tenure. I don't want him fired midseason unless there are off the court issues, but unless he rights the ship, I think this may be his last season.

I understand that, but IMO our options are proven mid major coach or an assistant. I'd prefer option A. We aren't going to get an Izzo. I don't think an established BCS coach is willing to beat down the door to get to Bama.

 

[TitleWave]

If you think about it, Eddie Munster (Donovan) is to blame for this mess. He takes (for longer than a day) the Orlando Magic job, and UF takes Grant off 'Bama's hands. Who knows who Grant's replacement would've been - Scott Sanderson, L'il Ricky Pitino Jr.?

But it dawned on me that 'Bama basketball (with Grant) is our own version of last season's Florida football (only in this case with Muschamp losing to Georgia Southern twice a week) - and yes, getting another year to make a total turnaround. Cannot conceive of it happening with the round ball.

 

[Dakotatider]

Who would we get if Anthony grant gets the Axe?

We need to see Bill Battle make a statement if they are really wanting to have a great Basketball and Football coach. Or Just a a Football coach. Looking i think this could be a good get.

1. Mark Few - Gonzaga
2. Gregg Marshall - Wichita State.
3. Chris Mack - Xavier

That would be a Huge get and a great talent.

 

[Crimson1967]

I understand that, but IMO our options are proven mid major coach or an assistant. I'd prefer option A. We aren't going to get an Izzo. I don't think an established BCS coach is willing to beat down the door to get to Bama.

Paul Bryant once called Adolph Rupp and asked for his advice in hiring a coach and he suggested one of his assistants. I agree we aren't getting a big name to come here, but a top assistant at a major program might come.

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

Tubby is too old.

And he has never liked promoting a program.

 

[gamersfuel]

Re: Who would we get if Anthony grant gets the Axe?

i like amaker. i also like Tubby Smith even though LD mentioned he's up there in age.

 

[bamacon]

LD gave out plenty if great choices. It ain't gonna be Tubby or Izzo or any coach of that caliber. This team looks lost. I thought CAG could hold it together to get another year but I don't now. Attendance will plummet even worse and LONG time season ticket holders have dropped them in droves. These are Hobbs type losses and that will not be allowed to continue regardless of buyout.

BTW- Grant's agent should get the award for Contract of the Decade!

 

[Rama Jama]

At least I have spotted Coach Battle at the last several games.

True, but I think Hale and Taylor both with a little coaching can develop into that kind of player. I see Taylor as a Roy Rogers type player. Hale has NBA potential. He is skilled and only needs to develop physically as does Taylor.

TR Dunn has been a defensive specialist, but I would think with so many years around the NBA, he could at least hire a good offensive coach.

I noticed Bill Battle there last night. He looked like he was evaluating the team by his expression. CAG looked as if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Does anyone realize this is our worst record to this point in 40 years? We got rid of Hobbs who had a better record.

 

[Ldlane]

Only problem with Prohm is that he just entered into a long term contract with Murray State. Doubt he leaves right away.

GREG MARSHALL AIN'T LEAVING WICHITA STATE! He get's anything he wants there!

Good post LD, and thanks for the suggestion of names that we could pursue if necessary.

I will say that I don't think there is any scenario where Buzz or Few would leave their current jobs for us. Few especially has a goldmine with the Zags. I love Few. I think he is the most underrated coach in the country when you consider the amount of talent he has produced at Gonzaga. However, he's in a weak conference and he basically has full recruiting rights to get whatever prospect he wants in in the northwest. Plus the northwest is home for him since he is from and went to college in Oregon. I highly doubt that Few would leave a perennial powerhouse where he is guaranteed a yearly tournament berth to come to the a mid-level SEC team that he would have to rebuild from the ground up. I'd give anything to see us pursue him and make him an offer that he can't refuse, however I feel pretty confident that it would never happen.

Prohm would be an interesting hire. He's young enough to build a program, he's had a fair amount of success with Murray State, and he seems to have a good style of play. It would especially be interesting since he is a Bama alum. However, things didn't end particularly well last time we hired a Bama alumni from Murray St, so I'd be interested to see if that played a factor into our interest of him.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Re: Who would we get if Anthony grant gets the Axe?

i like amaker. i also like Tubby Smith even though LD mentioned he's up there in age.

I think he's a great coach, not so much as a recruiter...