It has been a seasoned filled with highs and lows for fourth-year head coach Avery Johnson and Alabama men’s basketball. Despite it having a winning record overall at 17-12, its 8-8 mark in Southeastern Conference play and inconsistent performance in certain matchups have the Crimson Tide as a bubble team for the NCAA Tournament at this point.
While its primary goal is being a participant of March Madness — and it needs at least 19 wins — a strong consolidation prize occurs Tuesday evening, as Alabama will host the No. 1 in-state player in Trendon Watford against Auburn at Coleman Coliseum.
Watford, a member of the 2019 recruiting cycle, is a five-star small forward from Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham, Ala.
The 6-foot-9, 230-pounder is currently a Parade All-American and is coming off a Class 7A State Championship with the program. Regardless of him being pursued by Memphis, LSU and Duke, Tide assistant coach Antoine Pettway knows how important Watford is when it comes to getting the basketball aspect back to being a force.
He possesses exceptional handles and capabilities to create his own shot, while setting teammates up for success as well. Hopefully, Alabama closes the deal and signs him.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
