All the intel I'm hearing on Alabama basketball: This player will be Tide's 'motor'
With all the roster turnover that occurs in college basketball because of the transfer portal and NIL, the focus often centers on the new players.
There's plenty of reason for intrigue around the additions to the Alabama basketball roster, and rightfully so. Transfers and recruits all have a chance to make an impact during the 2023-24 season. Don't let the shiny new toys make you forget about what the Crimson Tide still has, though.
Particularly, what coach Nate Oats has in guard Mark Sears.
Back for his second season, the senior is expected to have a significant impact. One program source even told The Tuscaloosa News that Sears might be the best overall player on the roster.
"(Sears) is going to be our motor," one source said.
As the No. 24 Crimson Tide prepares for its season opener on Nov. 6 against Morehead State at Coleman Coliseum, The Tuscaloosa News spoke with a variety of sources around the program about the team.
Here's all the intel we gathered.
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What we're hearing on forward Grant Nelson
There might not be a more anticipated addition than Nelson. At 6-foot-11, 230 pounds, he has the ability to make plays he shouldn't be able to make at that size. That much is clear from his tape at North Dakota State.
The question is how it will translate to this level in the Alabama system.
It sounds like he struggled some in the first half of the closed scrimmage vs. TCU. The Horned Frogs were focusing their defense on him, though. Then he was "way better" in the second half vs. TCU after adjusting, per one source who was at the scrimmage. Nelson finished with 13 points, 9 boards and 2 blocks over 36:20 of play.
Maybe that first half was the only adjustment Nelson needed. Or perhaps he could require a few games. If he isn't dominant right away, don't panic. He just might need a few games. Patience could be required. Or heck, Nelson could play at an elite level right away. His performance will be worth monitoring throughout the season.
Surprise from Sam Walters
If you're surprised the freshman put up a team-high 29 points in the scrimmage vs. TCU, you wouldn't be the only one. Walters surprised some in the program, too, with that performance.
He still has some room to grow defensively, but offensively, he shined as he hit seven of Alabama's eight 3-pointers. Sources said TCU's defensive focus on stopping Nelson opened up opportunities for Walters, and he took advantage.
The player to watch this season
Freshman forward Jarin Stevenson could be a difference maker. One source said he's the best NBA prospect on the team.
Many have compared Stevenson to Noah Clowney, a freshman who turned a big year with Alabama into becoming the No. 21 pick in the NBA Draft. One program source said the Clowney-Stevenson comparison is "freakishly good." Word is, Stevenson could be better than Clowney offensively.
Stevenson has plenty of upside, but he will still have plenty to learn, too. Remember, he reclassified, so he's supposed to be a senior in high school. If he can realize his potential, he has a chance to put together a special season. Don't be surprised if Stevenson ends up the best player on the team by March. He has that high of a ceiling. It's just up to him if he reaches it.
Guard Aaron Estrada going to make quick impact
Estrada brought plenty of hype with him, too, transferring from Hofstra. A season ago, he averaged 20.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists with 1.5 steals. It sounds like he's lived up to it.
"As advertised," one source said of Estrada, who also defends well. Estrada went 7-for-16 with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal vs. TCU in the scrimmage with 19 points.
It sounds like Estrada, Sears and Nelson are at the front of the line to be the three main pillars of this team's success early.
Guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. a name to watch as a defender
The Cal State Fullerton transfer figures to work his way into the third guard spot behind Sears and Estrada.
Wrightsell has been banged up at times in the offseason, but he has impressed sources when he has been available. One said Wrightsell has been better than anticipated and a "bulldog-like defender." Another source expects Wrightsell to play a lot because of the value he brings as a veteran defender.
Incomplete grade for the bigs
Forward Nick Pringle is one of the few returners on the roster, and it sounds like he's made some improvements. He is expected to play some at the No. 5 spot (traditionally, a center). But Mohamed Wague, the West Virginia transfer, also figures to be valuable there. One source said Alabama has missed having Wague's presence in the front court; he's been dealing with an injury but figures to be back in time for the season.
Alabama basketball starting lineup: What could it look like?
Based on our conversations, here's a projection for the most likely lineup to start Nov. 6. Nothing is set in stone, though. Stevenson could be switched in for Griffen at the No. 3 spot. Griffen remains up and down some in his play, so consistency will be key for him.
Mark Sears
Aaron Estrada
Rylan Griffen
Grant Nelson
Nick Pringle
Don't be surprised if by SEC play the lineup looks something like this:
Mark Sears
Aaron Estrada
Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
Jarin Stevenson
Grant Nelson
Alabama has a variety of versatile players, so that could lead to a variety of lineup combinations depending on the skillset required at the time and the matchups. Folks around the program seem to be encouraged about the team's depth, though. And if Walters keeps playing like he did against TCU, Alabama is going to find a way for him to play and play a lot.
Nick Kelly covers Alabama football and men's basketball for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him @_NickKelly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: All the Alabama basketball buzz I'm hearing: Here's likely lineup
