Rivals Places Alabama's 2011 Class In Top Five

As a result of Alabama signing Trevor Lacy, Rivals has moved Alabama from 12th to
5th in its updated team rankings, released yesterday. Maybe the old timers will want to chime in here, but I can't remember Alabama ever having a top five recruiting class since I've been following the program (22 years). Correct me if I'm wrong.

The expectations for this group will be huge, particularly since several of them will be counted on to contribute immediately. Let's hope the pressure results in a positive effect. Nevertheless, it's very exciting to be an Alabama basketball fan right now.

I also can't remember an offseason buzz for basketball from the casual Alabama fan like it is now. If the guys are focused and don't get wrapped up in the preseason hype, next season could be really special. Kentucky and Vanderbilt are the early favorites for the SEC title, but this Alabama team could be right in the mix as well.

It should be noted that the SEC as a whole has done very well in Rival's rankings so far. Including Alabama, seven SEC schools (Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Georgia, Florida and Vanderbilt) are currently in Rival's top 30 team rankings. With the recent recruiting accomplishments and the hiring of stellar coaching staffs, the SEC, including the SEC West, appears to be making a move toward regaining some prominence in college basketball.

Bama's recruiting class ranked top 5

Rivals.com has ranked the incoming recruiting class as the 5th best in the nation. Congrats to Coach Grant and staff for bringing in one of the highest rated classes in school history. Let's hope they develop and live up to the expectations. You can see the top 30 here.

Also, we have agreed to a home and home series with Coach Grant's alma mater, the Dayton Flyers. The Tide will travel to Dayton this year for a game on December 7. So far we know we will be playing in the Puerto Rico shootout, Georgia Tech in Phillips Arena, Georgetown at home, and now Dayton on the road.

Alabama Signs One More

Per RollTide.com, Alabama has signed another player in the 2011 class. Retin Ojomoh, a guard from Belgium, has signed a letter of intent. If my math is correct, that means the program is now at its full scholarship limit going into next season. He is currently a member of the Belgian under-20 national team. Hit the link to learn more.

I'm not sure the team needed another guard. Personally, I would have liked them to sign another interior player. With that said, it is nice that the coaching staff is looking far and wide for talent that not only can help immediately but also develop into possible impact players down the road. Best of luck to Retin as he begins his career in Tuscaloosa.

Georgetown at Alabama set for Dec 1st

Kinda disappointed as I would like to play someone else (St John's, Pitt, UConn) instead of another game vs the Hoyas.

Oh well, at least we are not stuck with Rutgers or Seton Hall.

Trevor Lacey signed with Alabama!

Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Trevor, and great job Coach Grant and staff. With this recruiting class and the returning talent coming back next year, it's GAME ON! RTR!

John Brannen Could Be Next Head Coach At Murray State

For those of you who don't know, Murray State's Billy Kennedy has taken the head coaching job at Texas A&M. Alabama assistant coach, John Brannen, is one of several candidates for the open Murray State position. He's been a member of Anthony Grant's staff since 2006 when Grant began his VCU tenure. He is the recruiting coordinator so he can be linked to the team's success in the recruiting arena the last two seasons.

Obviously you hate to lose a good assistant, but Murray State would be a nice job if he can land it. Assistant coaches work tirelessly and don't always get the accolades they deserve, but they are as key to a winning team as the head coach and players. Nevertheless, if Coach Brannen has an opportunity to move up within the coaching ranks, particularly if that job is as attractive as Murray State, I for one wish him the best of luck.

Other names being mentioned for the Murray State position are Steve Prohm and Vince Taylor (current assistants) Vanderbilt assistant, Dan Muller; Kentucky assistant, Orlando Antigua; and Louisville assistant, Richard Pitino. With those names it's obvious it will be a tough decision for Murray State to make in the end. There has been a lot of support in that region for Brannen as head coach. He's had some experience in the Ohio Valley, having served as an assistant at Eastern Kentucky from 2000-2003.

We'll keep you updated on this potential development. And now back to you.....

Maccabi Tel Aviv falls just short in Barcelona

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s dream European season ended with a rude awakening on Sunday evening with a 78-70 defeat to Panathinaikos in the Euroleague final at the Palau Sant Jordi Arena in Barcelona.

Richard Hendrix, Maccabi's backup center, only played 8 minutes, scored 0 pts, had a single rebound, and committed 3 fouls. Definitely a forgettable game for him.

For the season, Hendrix has averaged 14 mpg, 5.6ppg on 56% shooting, 4.8 rpg, and shooting 54% from the stripe.

Regardless, congratulations, Richard, on yours and your teams' great season!

The link to the article is here