Yes, Alabama Eyes Going 1-2 in 2023 NFL, NBA Drafts: All Things CW
You may not have noticed, but the first three names in the headline and subhead of Albert Breer's story on Sports Illustrated's website on Tuesday were all former University of Alabama players: Bryce Young, Trevon Diggs and Quinnen Williams.
The NFL writer explained how Young will have to earn the starting job with the Carolina Panthers, how rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes reminds the Washington Commanders of Diggs, and said that the Jets aren't about trade Williams this season after his recent posturing for a big-time contract when his initial deal runs out this year.
This came in the wake of the numerous articles written about Young over the weekend, after the No. 1-overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft took his first pro-level practice snaps during a rookie minicamp. The subjects ranged from the quarterback being on the field an hour before the start of practice, his impressive command of the huddle, and, of course, his height. No, Young didn't suddenly grow on his way to North Carolina, just fans and reporters saw him for the first time standing next to NFL linemen.
“There is nothing like leading by example,” Panthers head coach Frank Reich said. “You start to create a standard for the preparation of what it is going to take for us to get to where we want to get to. When the quarterback is doing that, I think it just sets the team and the offense in the right mindset.”
Even though there are three other former Alabama quarterbacks starting in the NFL, Crimson Tide fans will need to quickly get used to this kind intense spotlight. The higher the pick, the more attention the player draws, and while Nick Saban has had a record-setting 49 first-round selections since arriving in Tuscaloosa, previously no one had gone before No. 3 (Williams, Trent Richardson and Marcell Dareus, who have been joined by Will Anderson Jr.)
It's different at No, 1 or No. 2, and the same holds true in the NBA.
On Wednesday night, the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA draft lottery when they were awarded the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. With the team expected to take Victor Wembanyama, whom some call the league's best prospect since LaBron James, the draft really begins at No. 2,
Ironically, Charlotte has to decide between Alabama forward Brandon Miller, and G League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson. Portland has the third pick.
Like Young, Miller has a chance to tie a Crimson Tide record for best draft selection in Alabama history. In football, Harry Gilmer was previously the only first-overall selection, in the 1948 NFL Draft. In basketball, forward Antonio McDyess holds the record, going second in 1995.
Either way, Miller will almost certainly become only the fifth Crimson Tide player to be selected with one of the first 10 picks in an NBA draft. However, only twice has Alabama had a top-10 pick in both drafts during the same year.
Alabama Players Selected in First 10 Picks in NBA Draft
- Antonio McDyess No. 2 in 1995 (Clippers, traded to Nuggets)
- Leon Douglas No. 4 in 1976 (Pistons)
- Collin Sexton No. 8 in 2018 (Cavaliers)
- Derrick McKey No. 9 in 1987 (SuperSonics)
It didn't happen with McDyess. Running back Sherman Williams was the team's top pick that year and went in the second round.
Even closer was five years ago in 2018 when guard Collin Sexton was drafted eighth overall by Cleveland. The football team had four first-round selections, but no one in the top 10: Minkah Fitzpatrick (No. 11) Da'Ron Payne (13), Rashaan Evans (22), and Calvin Ridley (26).
When Leon Douglas was the No. 4 pick in the 1976 NBA draft, quarterback Richard Todd went sixth to the New York Jets.
When forward Derrick McKey went No. 9 in 1987, Cornelius Bennet was the second-overall selection by the Indianapolis Colts and went on to have an amazing pro career.
Regardless of whether Miller ends up with the Hornets, it'll be yet another first for the Alabama athletics program, which continues to see its national footprint grow.
SEE ALSO: Hornets, Trail Blazers in Position to Draft Alabama's Brandon Miller After NBA Draft Lottery
