It would be easy to dwell on the bad things from Sunday’s 72-60 win against Iowa in the Paradise Jam semis. But before I start griping about the disappearing bench, the poor free throw shooting or the ho-hum rebounding effort, let’s have a moment of appreciation.
Alonzo Gee is the freaking man.
Eight-for-13 from the field. 5-for-7 from the line. He had 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, a block, no turnovers and enough highlight-reel dunks to earn him a roster spot with the Globetrotters. Last years flashes of potential have gelled into an early all-SEC contender. He’s bypassed Richard Hendrix to become the No. 3 offensive choice, and is breathing down Jemareo Davidson’s neck for No. 2.
That might sound like an insult to his frontcourt teammates. It isn’t. Hendrix had a solid game and Davidson (above) sizzled early and finished with a double-double. But Gee has proven to be extraordinary. His late burst of energy in the first half (namely back-to-back steals that led to transition dunks) erased a deficit against the scrappy but inexperienced Hawkeyes.
Davidson showed no ill effects, physical or emotional, in his first game since the car wreck that killed his girlfriend, Alabama trainer Nikki Murphy. He went strong to the basket early to put Iowa in foul trouble, passed to Hendrix for easy baskets when the defense keyed on him, then returned to shooting late to finish with 15 points.
It’s good to know that the starting frontcourt is so solid, because nobody else except Ronald Steele is contributing this weekend. Brandon Hollinger and Demetrius Jemison each hit a pair of free throws for the only scoring outside of the Big 4. Mykal Riley’s big opening night was apparently a Jean Felix-type mirage. He went 0-for-6, including a brutal 0-for-5 from 3, and never seemed interested in passing into the paint. Mikhail Torrence was 0-for-3 and looked lost for his 10 minutes of playing time.
The bench is going to have to grow up against Xavier. We still owe the Muskateers for a beatdown in Cincinnati nearly three years ago.
2 responses so far ↓
sellers // January 16, 2007 at 11:51 am
I agree completely about Alonzo Gee. When scouts come looking at other players such as Hendrix and Davidson, I beleive Gee will steal the show. He is an UNBELEIVABLE athlete, I am amazed at his jumping, scoring ability, speed, smartness, and DUNKS! Lastly, regardless of what anyone else says, if Bama keeps improving, and working together, I GAURANTEE at LEAST the Elite Eight this year, and since beating LSU by 10 (and it was’nt the best performance), maybe even farther. I love sports, and played for years, and I love every facet of sports, from coaching, stats, game plan, mental aspects, and take it from me Gee and this team can be special!
Stan // January 24, 2007 at 9:35 am
I’m a big fan of Alonzo’s too. Seriously talented baller. Don’t get to see him on TV as much as I’d like since we’re up here in the northeast and usually get regional games.
Also want to mention that if anyone out there is interested in writing or blogging about the Crimson Tide and A. Gee, you can visit http:/www.fanslogon.com (the site covers college football, mens college hoops and mens college lacrosse).
Just register for a free (no spam!) membership and test out the hassle-free system we have set up for you to quickly and easily post your short articles or blog. Let us know what you think (or if you have questions).
Thanks!