re: Alabama Basketball Megathread | 26-7 (16-2)

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I didn’t get the warm and fuzzies about our injury situation from the interview this morning.

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There is no question about it, Alabama basketball is currently on the rise.

Not only do the Crimson Tide currently have all the momentum on the court, but they have momentum off it too, in particular, the recruiting trail.

The Crimson Tide have been one of the best teams so far this season in the SEC, but Alabama also has one of the best recruiting classes in the country as well, with the potential to add to it to be even better.

I had the chance to talk recently to the very first commit in Alabama’s 2021 class, Jusaun Holt. Holt, a four-star small forward out of St. Francis in Roswell, GA, is one of top overall players in the state of Georgia. Holt is a 6’6 200 lb. small forward who is known as a great shooter, in particular a 3-point shooter, a great defender, and has an overall smooth feel to his game, almost seeming like it comes easy to him at times.

While Holt has turned into a phenomenal basketball player, and a can’t miss prospect, it wasn’t always just that way. Holt grew up originally in Tacoma, Washington where he played both basketball and football, and was a Seahawks and Warriors fan. Holt was a wide receiver, and excelled at the position up until the 8th grade where he solely focused on basketball. Little did Holt know at the time that he would turn into one of top small forwards, and one of the best overall shooters in the country.

Holt has been in Georgia since the 7th grade, and has been at St. Francis for all four years of high school. St. Francis has won the previous two GHSA Class A Private State Championships, and are looking to win a 3rd consecutive this season with Holt leading the way.

Holt knew as soon as Alabama came calling during his recruitment that Alabama was the right fit, partly due to the family vibe that the coaches gave him, and an instant connection with the coaches, in particular Coach Pettway. Another factor? Head coach Nate Oats play style. “It is exact to the way that I play,” Holt added.

So what is the play style of Jusaun Holt? “I feel like I can do everything very well, and some things I’m stronger at including shooting the three and locking up any position,” Holt stated. When I asked if he modeled his game after anyone, or if he saw the way he played in any particular player, Holt responded, “No, I try to be my own special player.”

This recruiting class has the potential to be the best in Alabama history. Holt, the first to commit in this class, knew that something special could happen. “Coach told me who he was recruiting, and I then started gaining a relationship with all the coaches and started to sense that I could be the start of something special,” Holt said.

Alabama currently has three commits in their 2021 class; Holt, JD Davison, and Langston Wilson. When asked about Davison and Wilson, Holt responded by saying “They both are really good players, and we are all winners so I think we will be able to play together.” Holt, Davison, and Wilson all do different things very well. I then asked how do you think your game can mesh with theirs?

Holt’s response?

“I think our three combinations of play style is going to be a scary sight.”

A scary sight…. Davison’s ability to create for himself and others with ease to completely take over a game, Wilson’s ability to dominate in the paint, and a 3-point specialist in Holt wide open on the outside because of it….. Sure sounds like a scary sight to me.

To be honest, the more film and highlights that I watch from these three, I almost start to feel bad for defenses that will have to try and stop these three combined along with others in the Nate Oats offense.

So, what should we expect from Holt and Alabama next season? “To win and work hard, that way the goals that I dreamed of will come to me,” Holt responded.

Jusaun Holt is ready to play college basketball, and to go hard with his teammates next season in Tuscaloosa.

As the hype and noise continue to rise around Alabama basketball this season, just know that next year has the potential to be even better.

I would once again like to thank Jusaun Holt for taking the time to do this. Alabama fans, this 2021 basketball recruiting class is special, and will be must see next season in Tuscaloosa. Alabama basketball is only going to continue to rise over the next couple of years, with Jusaun Holt being one of the ones leading the way for years to come.

Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Jusaun Holt.

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Got some fresh shot data from last night!

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Bruner probably isn’t back until the SEC or NCAA tournament

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