Number 2 Alabama opened the basketball season in Coleman Coliseum Monday night, rolling over UNC Asheville 110-54. Alabama took care of business while showcasing their returning pieces as well as the new additions from recruiting and the transfer portal.
Here are a few takeaways from Alabama’s season opener.
Plenty of Depth
This is the deepest team in Alabama history. 11 players recorded minutes, and 11 players scored points. Seven of the 11 reached double figures. The Crimson Tide scored 45 points off their bench to just 22 from UNC Asheville. Nate Oats has built a roster this season that he could sub out all five starters and not miss a beat in talent. With so much talent on this team, Oats has his work cut out to get everyone to buy into quality instead of quantity minutes.
Points in the Paint
Oats’ offensive philosophy is open threes and easy twos. Last year, it felt like they relied on the three-point shot way more than the easy twos. Tonight, Alabama took advantage of its height advantage and scored 56 points in the paint compared to just 18 from the visiting Bulldogs.
100
In the season opener, the Crimson Tide scored 110 points, and it will not be the last time they break 100. Last year, Alabama eclipsed the century mark in points 10 times. With the ability to run the floor and stay fresh because of the depth and talent of this roster, the Crimson Tide could easily score more than 100 in over 10 games this season.
Missing Piece
Clifford Omoruyi is the missing down-low presence that Alabama was missing in their Final Four run from a season ago. The shooting and scoring were there last season, but the only thing Alabama was missing was a big-bodied center in the middle of the defense. With the addition of Omoruyi at the center position, it gives Grant Nelson the ability to play his more natural position at point forward. Omoruyi, in his debut, scored 16 points and hauled in eight rebounds.
Alabama will host Arkansas State on Friday at 7 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum.
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