🏀 NCCA, NIT or At Home?

[alabama mike]

Will this years Tide Cagers make it to the big dance (NCAA), small dance (NIT) or be left out in the cold (at home)? How many wins this year?

NIT

16

 

[TerryP]

We're staring at the NIT right now but the picture isn't in focus; yet. We've still got three or four games before the conference season starts we could lose which may put an end to our NCAA tourney thoughts before the end of December.

We're going to need a good conference run.

 

[bamaraider]

I'll give them this, in all of their losses so far, they have been in it. Drexel was up 24-6 on Arizona, and Alabama was in a 3 OT game with them. We all know about Duke and Alabama blew their chances to win that game. Oklahoma could have beaten Michigan State, but choked.

So while we do have 3 losses so far, they're nothing like last years losses to Tulane or Dayton at home. I agree with Terry that we're staring at the NIT again, but I think if we could get an upset of Witchita State at home and beat Xavier next week, we're staring at a whole new picture due to our strength of schedule.

 

[TheChief]

19 - NCAA - Make it to the Sweet 16. This team is much different than AG's previous teams. Their offense can be exciting. They're fun to watch. The big thing about this team is they do not quit. They have some tough out-of-conference games remaining with Xavier, UCLA, and Wichita State. If Bama can get on a run and start rolling, they could win a dozen in a row. I'm hoping the 19 total I picked is low.

 

[TheChief]

Oh, funny thing too. Yesterday's game was not on Sirius radio, and we were driving to Cincinnati. My son was giving me updates, and I heard we went to overtime. Flipping through the sports channels, I noticed that the Duke/Arizona game WAS on. I began listening, and it was bonus coverage of the Bama game from the same tournament still in progress. So, we got to hear almost the entire overtime.

 

[bamaraider]

lol idk about exciting. That game had me screaming at the top of my lungs. Was glad to see Jacobs to great, but good god there still is no other inside presence. And idk what's up with Releford, but he has gotten cold from outside the arc. He was suppose to be that guy and in these last few games, he has not been good from the perimeter.

 

[alabama mike]

IMO, it is looking more and more like we will be staying at home with no NCAA or NIT. :shake:

 

[TheChief]

Yeah, looking back at my post, I was on that "support the team and AG" kick.

 

[TheChief]

With games remaining against Xavier, UCLA, and that one guy that plays whole teams Robert Morris, let’s be optimistic and say Bama wins two of three. That puts them at 7-6. Losses to Florida, Kentucky, probably Ole Miss, and Arkansas would dictate Bama would have to win 12 of the remaining 14 to have 19 wins. Then the SEC tournament. A win and a loss puts them at 20 and 15 with no quality wins. My math is probably wrong but even if it’s close you can see how tight this finish is going to be once more this year. But like Terry said way back in November. We’ll know the team’s fate before January.

 

[bamaraider]

Yeah, looking back at my post, I was on that "support the team and AG" kick.

The whole optimistic thing never works. Been doing it for years for the Raiders, all they do is build you up just to stomp on your heart afterwards. Best to just voice your opinion.

 

[TheChief]

AG's made lots of dough. If he's been frugal, he should live a carefree life from now on. He'll land on his feet either way. I don't see Bama keeping him if the Tide lands in the NIT again this year. Really. Two million to go the NIT?

 

[bama alum]

I am no big fan of Grant, but unless this season goes completely to hell, 15 wins or less, he will return next year. If nothing else, his players have a better graduation rate than did XCMG.

 

[TerryP]

I am no big fan of Grant, but unless this season goes completely to hell, 15 wins or less, he will return next year. If nothing else, his players have a better graduation rate than did XCMG.

Where are you getting that from?

It's been awhile since I've looked at those stats, but one thing I do remember CMG graduated a lot of his players. That said, I've not compared the two.

 

[TheChief]

15 wins might not happen. Beat that Robert Morris guy, win eight in the SEC and one in the SEC Tourney. That's fifteen, not a given.

 

[psychojoe]

I would guess 17 or 18 wins, enough.in conference to avoid plaAng on the first day of the sec tourney. Mizzou and Florida are clearly the best in the SEC now. Other than beating UK up there, we are quite capable of beating any or all of our conference opposition. Dont forget that UGA danced in the recent past with.17 wins.

 

[TheChief]

PJ, I've watched Ole Miss play against Oregon and they look pretty darn good. Looking at results it looks like Arkansas is pretty good. Flip a coin with Tennessee; we'll see how we match up with Xavier - the Viles split with them. South Carolina is bad. Without a win over Xavier or UCLA, I don't see a quality win on the schedule. 17 or 18 and no quality win, they don't dance. I think we'll be showing up here throughout the year, and you'll be talking me down off the ledge.

 

[psychojoe]

Promise me this Stay off the ledge until mid February, lol.

 

[TheChief]

Sounds like a plan.

 

[bamaraider]

Well we have a home-home series with Mizzou, play Florida at home, and Tennessee at home. I think we could come away 3-1, but most likely 2-2. Tennessee looks very similar to us this year, but probably is better inside than we are.

Jesus guys, I feel like we have hit rock bottom or something

 

[TheChief]

So who's watching this elimination game tonight? Win, and the Tide has a shot at the tourney. Lose. See you next year. I know that's not set in stone, but I'm guessing that's the way it will work out.