5 on 5: What We're Hearing About the Alabama Crimson Tide

The buzz on potential new facilities, a pair of freshmen are off to a great start, and a couple of basketball players to keep an eye on in the transfer portal.

Alabama Athletics

Welcome to the debut of 5 on 5, which in addition to the obvious sports reference(s) is short for five things on the fifth day, and we hope will become a Friday staple on BamaCentral. 

This is where you'll find items that we're hearing, really don't have anywhere else to put on the site, and tidbits that we feel that our readers would like to know. 

However, everything listed on 5 on 5 is considered TIFWIW (take it for what it's worth).

Here's this week's five: 

1) Are new facilities on the way?

A well-connected source tells us to be on the lookout for two major construction projects, which are being planned and could possibly be built in time for the 2024 season. 

The first is a remodeled weight room, with a new layout, equipment and flooring.  The equipment is already 10 years old which is considered outdated in the current arms race. 

The second is a new indoor facility, on the other end of the football complex off Bryant Drive and next to the dining hall it added five years ago. 

2) New arena

Alabama has started notifying basketball season ticket holders that the cost to keep their seats in the new arena will be a little on the jaw-dropping side. We'll try and post some of the specifics next week, but a reason why it can do this is that one side of the lower deck will be filled by students and there's no way to accommodate everyone  

Moreover, in addition to trying to ride the success of this year's team, it could potentially pay for the new facility pretty quickly. 

3) Hot starts

We're hearing that true freshman safety Caleb Downs is already turning heads, not only physically but his ability to absorb information on the first take and execute. Some are already calling him Minkah 2.0 (as in Fitzpatrick)

Also off to a great start is freshman running back Justice Haynes. 

Incidentally, Georgia coach Kirby Smart was said to be furious to lose both players out his recruiting backyard and is looking to return the favor this year. He already has a commitment from Chilton County linebacker Demarcus Riddick.

4) Hot names in hoops 

Depending on how may players the Crimson Tide loses out to the NBA draft, Alabama will likely have a couple of open roster spots to fill through the transfer portal.

Two names to keep an eye on are Dayton forward Frankie Policelli and Louisville forward Kamari Lands. Both are lanky, athletic players in the 6-7, 6-8 range, who could make an immediate impact. Alabama has already reached out to them.  

Policelli averaged 13.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, while shooting 36.8 percent from 3-point range and 80.2 percent from the line. Lands is a former top-30 recruit. 

5) A final note of support 

With Alabama trying to advance to its first Final Four this weekend I thought I'd share this note I received a couple of weeks ago from Crimson Tide basketball player Leon Marlaire, who was an Alabama guard from 1952-56 and part of the legendary Rocket 8 (he also founded the Birmingham Tip-Off Club in 1974):

Bama Basketball Fans:

You and I will agree, it is great to see our Alabama men’s basketball program at #1. Congratulations to Coach Oats, the coaching staff, and the team for their spectacular winning season.

Take the time to follow the Alabama games remaining on the road to the 2023 national championship. You will be glad you did because the team is a “winner”. They are enjoyable to watch with all the team’s effort to win and Coach Oats has the team playing like # 1 in the nation and this team can win the Final Four.

As a member of Alabama’s 1956 Rocket Eight team and now 89 years old, I still enjoy watching Alabama basketball. Very proud the basketball program has become “the best” again and now looking forward to Alabama becoming the 2023 National Champion.

It is very special having both our Alabama basketball and football programs at the top nationwide. Proud you and I can enjoy both again.

Best regards and let's keep the Tide rolling !!!!!!

RTR
Leon Marlaire

See Also: 

Bryan Hodgson Leaving Alabama Basketball for Head Coaching Position

Alabama Football's JC Latham: "I Want Them to be Scared of Us"

Update: Former Alabama Basketball Player Darius Miles to Have New Bond Hearing