Alabama Scouting Report

For the second time in as many seasons, the Alabama Crimson Tide will square off with the Purdue Boilermakers. This years rendition is missing one gigantic man and includes a lot of talented freshmen on both sides. Yet, the headlines should rightfully be focused on two premiere point guards in Mark Sears and Braden Smith.

Mark Sears is off to a "pedastrian" start, only averaging 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. The "drop off" has come with Sears playing more off the ball, allowing guys like Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell to handle the ball. On the opposite side, Purdue's offense will run through Smith and for good reason. The junior is averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Alabama Offense

The Crimson Tide's offense has been elite at creating indecision for defenses under Nate Oats. They love to push the pace with their go to secondary transition being an away screen.

As they settle in the half court, they are going to create confusion with guards setting back screens for bigs, ghost screens between guards, and the bigs setting flare screens for the guards. All actions to cause confusion for the defense.

In pick and rolls, they will again try to cause confusion by changing who is handling the ball and who is the screener. Furthermore, they like to add a third man into middle PnRs to occupy the vacated space in the middle.

The last part of their offensive gameplan is trying to get after the offensive glass. Alabama will try to send three guys consistently to grab second chances. Something that won them the game against Arkansas State.

Alabama Defense

How Alabama plans to play Purdue will be fascinating to see. They have shown that they want to switch between defensive coverages. I expect them to play drop with Omoruyi but I wouldn't be surprised to see them come out playing a hard hedge.

When they are in a drop coverage, look for them to be stickier to their man and show less gap help. Especially Derrion Reid and Aden Holloway who are prone to leave gaps open. But they want to be disruptive in the passing lanes, sometimes to their own detriment.

This defense has been significantly improved but I still think they have some weaknesses. As a team, they try really hard to protect the rim. This means collapsing to the paint when the opponent gets a deep paint touch which opens up kick out threes. But also, using shot fakes has been effective against the Tide.

Another area that I want Purdue to attack is picking on specific defenders. Mark Sears has a ton of offensive responsibility, so any time Purdue can involve him, that is a small success. Additionally, Jarin Stevenson and Aden Holloway are both weak defenders in my opinion.

Key Players

#1 - Mark Sears

Keeping Sears away from his left hand should be the top priority for Purdue. Against Mcneese State, Sears struggled to drive left and it resulted in him going 1-3 at the rim. The other defenders will have to be nearly perfect with their communication to limit Sear's effectiveness as a screener and shooter.

#0 - Labaron Philon

The freshman has earned a starting spot for good reason. He is a dynamic athlete that adds value in all areas of the game. He is best when he can get to the rim where he can score or facilitate. He has struggled to shoot this season, making him a jump shooter will be important.

Alabama Bigs

The combination of Nelson, Omoruyi, Diabate, Reid, and Stevenson has gone a combined 7/25 from three. With two of those players usually playing, collapsing the court around the Alabama guards will be extremely important. The bigs shooting will also reduce Alabama's rebounding ability. Make the bigs prove they will take and make enough threes to win the game.