re: 2017 Basketball recruiting and offseason news thread

I'm sure he'll be committed by mid October at the latest

Braxton Key among the top newcomers

quote:

---

Avery Johnson initially made a recruiting splash by securing a commitment from Terrance Ferguson, the No. 11 player in the class of 2016. Ferguson's decision to play professionally in Australia makes Key the highest-ranked recruit in Johnson's second season at the helm. Key was ranked No. 33 in the class and should help the Crimson Tide fill a serious need. The Tide had a rebounding problem last season. They were especially porous in preventing offensive rebounds, as their percentage ranked 322nd nationally, according to Ken Pomeroy. Johnson just got his major key to correct that. At 6-foot-8, 240-pounds, Key already has a physical presence that Bama sometimes lacked last season. He won't just be asked to rebound, though. Key is skilled around the basket and has some range and touch to step outside the paint and score. Key might not crack the starting lineup immediately, as Alabama's most experienced position is forward. But he should be a difference-maker, especially where the Tide need one most: on the boards.

---

Nothing set in stone yet

Alex Reese has us in his top 5. Announced on twitter

why play in CUSA for UAB? That is a weak basketball conference. The SEC has been down, but I think it's starting to rise up again and will still always get the benefit of the doubt as a power 5 conference. UAB is just the biggest fish in a small pond.

Listen, I made that mistake myself and chased pussy to stay closer to home at Samford instead of accepting a Presidential Scholly to Alabama because that's what she wanted me to do because she was afraid she'd lose me at Bama. So her senior year of high school we break up and she ends up at Bama and I'm stuck at Samford. After much trial and tribulation we ended up married for 6 years then she cheated and left. Best favor she ever did me but I can't get my college days back. So I get what the kid is looking at but I hope there is someone like me around to tell him that is industrial strength STUPID! If you're meant to be together, it'll happen. If not, you'll ruin part of your life trying to make it happen.

quote:

---

Bola Olaniyan, a 6-7 basketball grad transfer from Southern Illinois, visited Alabama today. Was the No. 2 rebounder in the MVC last season.

---

From Cecil

quote:

---

Graduate transfer big man Bola Olaniyan officially visited Alabama on Thursday, BamaOnLine has learned. The 6-foot-7 center from Southern Illinois recently visited Houston and Pittsburgh as well. First-year Tide assistant John Pelphrey is Olaniyan’s primary recruiter.

---

That's from Hank South. He also said this is likely his last visit before deciding.

Do any of y'all have a subscription to tidesports? I'm just curious what Cecil is saying about our chances with Olaniyan.