Nick Saban's Tenure in Review: Season #2 - 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide

Oh man, everyone not wearing Crimson was talking so much shite. The Clemson message board was a blast afterwards.

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That #10 talent composite ranking is super misleading because almost all the elite talent were freshmen.

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I mean…it is what it is. Some of our best playmakers from that season were from the 2007 and 2008 recruiting classes (both of which finished #10 and #1 in the Rival recruiting rankings). Rolando McClain, Kareem Jackson, Dont’a Hightower, Terrence Cody (junior college), Mark Ingram II, Julio Jones, and Marquis Maze - all major contributors to that 2008 team - were recruited to Alabama in those two classes.

The offensive game plans McElwain had for the Climpson and UGa games were things of beauty. Especially against the Dawgs.

I'd give anything to go back to that type offense.

That Clemson game was so exciting......I remember watching just expecting to lose....My expectations were so low at that point that win was just a huge lift

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JPW, McElory and a young AJ was the QB. Hard to stretch the field with the QB limitations.

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No doubt, just saying that there were plenty of unhappy customers here and elsewhere when Mcelwain was OC.

Kirk Herbstreit correctly predicted the dynasty that Saban and Alabama were embarking on during the Clemson broadcast.

It was music to my ears, since everyone else was saying that Saban would be around for just a couple of years, and that Bama would never be a serious contender again.

The 2007-2008 Alabama men's basketball team, led by head coach Mark Gottfried, embarked on a season filled with both promise and challenges. This season was marked by notable players, key matchups, and the pursuit of success within the highly competitive landscape of college basketball. In this comprehensive exploration, we'll delve into the team's composition, standout players, memorable games, challenges faced, and the lasting impact on the Alabama basketball program.

Team Composition:

The 2007-2008 Alabama basketball team was a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. The roster featured a balance of experienced seniors and emerging underclassmen, creating a dynamic and competitive squad.

Key players included senior guard Mykal Riley, who played a crucial role in both scoring and defense. Joining him were seniors Alonzo Gee and Richard Hendrix, providing leadership and experience in pivotal positions. The team also featured rising talents such as sophomore forward Richard Hendrix and freshman point guard Rico Pickett, adding depth and potential for the future.

Coach Mark Gottfried, entering his tenth season at the helm of the program, had established himself as a respected leader. His tenure had seen the Crimson Tide experience both successes and challenges, and the 2007-2008 season would be another chapter in the ongoing narrative of Alabama basketball.

Key Players:

Mykal Riley (Guard): A senior guard, Riley was a versatile player known for his scoring ability and defensive prowess. His leadership on the court and experience were invaluable assets for the team.

Alonzo Gee (Guard/Forward): Another senior, Gee was a dynamic player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills made him a vital component of the team.

Richard Hendrix (Forward): As a junior, Hendrix was a force in the frontcourt. His scoring ability, rebounding, and shot-blocking made him a key player in the team's success.

Rico Pickett (Guard): A freshman point guard, Pickett brought youthful energy and potential to the team. His development over the season would be closely watched as he adapted to the collegiate level.

Memorable Games:

The 2007-2008 season was filled with memorable games that defined the team's journey. One of the standout victories came against No. 15-ranked Vanderbilt, a 78-73 triumph that showcased Alabama's ability to compete with and defeat top-ranked opponents.