NIT Grades

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From Our Correspondent at FM 90.7

There's not much to be said about Alabama's performance in the NIT. Obviously, the NIT is not the ultimate goal for Anthony Grant's team, and in the end they were ousted by an excellent Wichita State team that simply wanted it more.

Alabama cruised through it's first three games of the post-season, besting Coastal Carolina, New Mexico, and Miami in Coleman Coliseum to cap an undefeated record in Tuscaloosa this season. Trevor Releford led the way for the Crimson Tide, scoring 12, 20, and 22 points, respectively in each of the victories. Tony Mitchell was right behind the freshman with point totals of 12, 23, and 16. After three relatively easy games, Alabama was off to New York City and Madison Square Garden to play in the NIT Final Four.

Colorado

The Tide's first opponent was the Colorado Buffaloes, a team, like Alabama, which probably should have been in the NCAA tournament, as well. It was a close game, with both teams trading the lead late in the second half. A defining moment, however, came with 2:28 to go. JaMychal Green had just fouled out and Alabama was only up 3; it felt like the Tide were unraveling. But then freshman Trevor Releford took charge, huddled everyone up, and got the team's focus back where it needed to be. With :17 left in the game, it was Releford's time to shine. Alabama was down one and needed someone to make a shot. Releford took the ball, drove down the baseline, and laid it in to give the Crimson Tide a 1-point lead they would not relinquish.

Wichita State

The Finals, however , were a different story. A combination of JaMychal Green getting in foul trouble early, woeful 3-point shooting, and a general lack of effort contrasted by a Shockers team that came ready to play led to the Crimson Tide's ultimate demise. Wichita State took the lead with 13:01 to go in the second half and never looked back. And, just like in the second Kentucky game, any time Alabama came close to evening the score, the Shockers would hit a 3 that took the air out of any comeback.

Where do we go from here?

Even with the lackluster showing in the NIT finals, make no mistake - this Crimson Tide team is here to stay. In two years, Coach Anthony Grant took a .500 team to a 12-4 SEC record, a Western division championship, and most likely a game shy of making the NCAA tournament. The core of JaMychal Green, Tony Mitchell, and Trevor Releford returning and a top-20 recruiting class, with one more top prospect still up for grabs, mean next years' team could be even better. Alabama wanted to make the NCAA tournament, but I firmly believe their post-season snub will motivate this team next year, much like the 2008 SEC Championship Game fueled the 2009 football title run. Alabama fans should be proud of the 2010-2011 basketball team, as they laid a foundation for future greatness under head Coach Anthony Grant.

Stay tuned for a season wrap-up, and my post-season MVPs.

Marc Torrence, from Franklin, TN, is a freshman at The Capstone majoring in Telecommunication and Film. He is co-host of the sports-talk show "The Student Section" on Wednesday nights from 8-10 on 90.7 in Tuscaloosa, or online at thecapstone.ua.edu. He can be reached at mdtorrence@crimson.ua.edu and marctorrence.com.