2015–16 Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team

American college basketball season March 2026 August 2023 Basketball 2015–16 Alabama Crimson Tide Alabama Crimson Tide logo.svg 125 Southeastern Conference SEC 18–15http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/stats/season_stats.pdf 2015-16 Alabama Basketball Alabama Combined Team Statistics (as of Mar 15, 2016) March 15, 2016 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics March 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160328183847/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/stats/season_stats.pdf 2016-03-28 dead 8–10 Avery Johnson 1st Antoine Pettway 4th Scott Pospichal 1st Bob Simon 1st Coleman Coliseum(Capacity: 15,383) NIT First Round The 2015–16 Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team (variously "Alabama", "UA", "Bama" or "The Tide") represented the University of Alabama in the 2015–16 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Crimson Tide played its home games at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as a member of the Southeastern Conference. Avery Johnson was in his inaugural season as head coach of the team. He was hired on April 6, 2015, to replace Anthony Grant, who was fired on March 15 after serving as Alabama's head coach for six seasons. The team finished the season 18–15, 8–10 in SEC play to finish in 10th place. They defeated Ole Miss in the second round of the SEC tournament to advance to the quarterfinals where they lost to Kentucky. The Crimson Tide received an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament as a #5 seed, where the team lost to Creighton in the first round. Johnson's hiring sparked an atmosphere of excitement that was evident the moment he was hired and lasted throughout the season. When he was introduced to the school on April 8, he promised that his basketball program would aspire to reach the Final Four, something an Alabama team has never accomplished; in fact, Alabama has only reached the Elite Eight once, in 2004. In stark contrast to Grant's quiet, unassuming demeanor, Johnson offered enthusiasm and pep throughout the summer months, attending numerous dinners, visiting football practices, and appearing on television, all to further promote the basketball program.http://www.campusrush.com/campus-clicks-alabama-basketball-avery-johnson-1627030881.html Alabama Head Coach Avery Johnson Bringing Excitement to a Long Dormant Basketball Program Campus Rush Sports Illustrated February 26, 2016 March 19, 2016 This evidently paid off, as the 2015–16 season destroyed the school record for home attendance, with an average of 13,110 people at each game in the 15,383-seat Coleman Coliseum. The previous record average was 12,484. The coliseum also sold out five times for the first time since the 2006–07 season.http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20160304aaa.pdf Alabama Crimson Tide Basketball 2015–16 Game Notes March 5, 2016 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics March 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160401220453/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20160304aaa.pdf 2016-04-01 dead As for the season itself, the team shook off two early blowouts to make a splash on the national scene, upsetting two ranked teams in the AdvoCare Invitational. The Tide finished its non-conference schedule with nine wins and three losses, the same number of non-conference losses as the previous season. Coincidentally, just like the 2014–15 season, all three teams that the Crimson Tide lost to made the NCAA tournament. The team suffered an awful start to conference play, losing five of its first six games, although the one win did come against a ranked, undefeated South Carolina squad. Then Alabama surged, winning six of its next seven games to catapult into the NCAA Tournament conversation with five games remaining in the regular season. However, the Tide went 1–4 in those games to move itself off of the tournament bubble and into the bottom half of the middling SEC. One win in the SEC Tournament was enough to get Alabama an at-large NIT bid, but a blowout on the road at Creighton in the first round ended the season. Redshirt senior guard Retin Obasohan was far and away the team's leader and biggest contributor during the season. After serving as nothing more than a role-player for his first three seasons playing at the Capstone, Obasohan was charged with the duties of team co-captain and senior leader after the graduation of starters Levi Randolph and Rodney Cooper from the prior season, and he was also eventually charged with filling the starting point guard role after a season-ending injury to freshman Dazon Ingram.http://alabama.247sports.com/Bolt/Alabama-point-guard-to-miss-rest-of-2015-16-season-41914047 https://web.archive.org/web/20151212082443/http://alabama.247sports.com/Bolt/Alabama-point-guard-to-miss-rest-of-2015-16-season-41914047 dead December 12, 2015 Alabama point guard to miss rest of 2015-16 season BamaOnLine 247Sports.com Charlie Potter December 10, 2015 December 10, 2015 Obasohan exceedingly fulfilled those responsibilities, upping his scoring average from 6.2 to 17.6 points per game and refining his defensive skills, while also serving as the driving force behind the team's emotion and energy. In recognition of his exceptional season, Obasohan was named to the All-SEC First Team and the All-SEC Defensive Team. He was also named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.http://bamablog.wpengine.com/?p=29491 ‘A big shock’: How Retin Obasohan transformed game, life at Alabama Alex Byington The Daly Bama Blog March 20, 2016 March 20, 2016 December 14, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171214140851/http://bamablog.wpengine.com/?p=29491 dead Obasohan ended his career at UA ranked in the top ten of Alabama's career steals leaders, the top 20 of Alabama's single-season points leaders (for his 2015–16 season), and the top 40 of Alabama's career points leaders. Before the season Previous season 2014–15 Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team Alabama finished the 2014–15 season with a 19–15 overall record (8–10 in the SEC) and an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament. The team started the season very strong, winning twelve of its first fifteen games, with all three losses coming against teams that went on to make the 2015 NCAA tournament. However, through the course of SEC play after those first fifteen games, the Tide faltered, developing an inability to put together consecutive wins—an issue that lasted for the rest of the season.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400785834 Miami reaches NIT quarterfinals, tops Alabama 73-66 Associated Press ESPN March 21, 2015 August 14, 2015 As a result, Alabama suffered a losing home record in conference play for the first time since 1969. Cecil Hurt CecilHurt 572944538672754690 March 3, 2015 Alabama's losing home record in SEC play April 10, 2015 The team finished the season tied for eighth place in the SEC standings and was awarded the #9 seed and a first-round bye in the SEC tournament.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030715aab.html Men's Basketball Earns No. 9 Seed, Will Face Florida in SEC Tournament March 7, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics August 14, 2015 In the second round, the Crimson Tide was eliminated, falling to the eighth-seeded Florida Gators 69–61.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/schedule/_/id/333/year/2015/alabama-crimson-tide Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule - 2014-15 ESPN February 13, 2016 In the postseason, the team was selected to play in the NIT as a #6 seed.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031515aac.html Alabama Earns A No. 6 Seed In 2015 National Invitation Tournament March 15, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics August 14, 2015 Alabama routed #3 seed Illinois 79–58 in the first round, but lost to #2 seed Miami 73–66 in the second round to end the Tide's season. Coaching changes On March 15, three days after Alabama's loss to Florida in the SEC Tournament, UA athletic director Bill Battle released a statement announcing that Anthony Grant would not be retained as the head coach thereafter,https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/03/15/anthony-grant-fired-as-alabama-basketball-coach Anthony Grant fired as Alabama basketball coach Matt Bonesteel The Washington Post March 15, 2015 April 10, 2015 presumably due to major fan dissatisfaction with the consistently mediocre seasons his teams produced, as evidenced by declining home attendance numbers.http://www.timesdaily.com/sports/college_headlines/buckle-up-johnson-ready-to-drive-tide-to-greater-heights/article_488a2e77-ec81-5115-86ae-72738a40679b.html Buckle up: Johnson ready to drive Tide to greater heights Alex Byington TimesDaily April 9, 2015 April 11, 2015 Regardless of the dollar figure, Battle indicated it was important that Alabama’s next basketball coach make an instant connection with the fan base, especially after attendance at home games declined the past several seasons. Later that day, Alabama received its invitation to the NIT. Stuck without a head coach, the school named assistant coach John Brannen as the interim head coach for the tournament.http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25109763/alabama-names-john-brannen-interim-coach Alabama names John Brannen interim coach CBS Sports Sean d'Oliveira March 16, 2015 August 11, 2015 thumb|175px|The 2015–16 season was Avery Johnson's first at Alabama. Following the conclusion of Alabama's season on March 21, Battle began intensively searching for a replacement for Grant. Early rumors indicated that Indiana head coach Tom Crean and then-Murray State head coach Steve Prohm (who attended Alabama) were Battle's biggest targets.https://247sports.com/college/alabama/article/potential-alabama-basketball-head-coaching-candidates-36234792/ Potential UA hoops head coaching candidates BamaOnLine 247Sports.com Charlie Potter March 17, 2015 April 10, 2015 However, over the next several days, those names gave way to that of Wichita State's Gregg Marshall, and it was reported on March 23 that Alabama was prepared to offer Marshall a contract in excess of $3 million per year.http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/ncaa/article16154042.html Report says Alabama wants Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall as coach Kansas City Star Tony Adame March 23, 2015 April 10, 2015 Then, on April 1, reports indicated that Marshall would soon visit Tuscaloosa with his family while pondering whether or not to take the Alabama job; however, later that day, it was confirmed that he had decided to stay at Wichita State.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/04/gregg_marshall_family_visit_tuscaloosa.html Gregg Marshall, family planning visit to Tuscaloosa as Wichita State coach mulls Alabama offer AL.com Michael Casagrande April 1, 2015 April 11, 2015 In an unusual move, Battle addressed Marshall's decision to remain at Wichita State in a public statement.http://wiat.com/2015/04/01/alabama-ad-releases-statement-regarding-basketball-coaching-search Alabama AD releases statement regarding basketball coaching search WIAT Sebastian Posey April 1, 2015 April 11, 2015 With his first option ruled out, Battle contacted former National Basketball Association player and coach Avery Johnson, who expressed considerable interest in the job.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/04/avery_johnson_initially_wasnt.html Avery Johnson initially wasn't of interest to Alabama AL.com Matt Zenitz April 9, 2015 June 12, 2015 Johnson had not been a coach since 2012, and had never coached at the collegiate level (having only been the head coach of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets). Despite that, Battle quickly arranged to meet with Johnson and his family and hired him shortly afterward on April 6. It was later reported that at the time of his meeting with Battle, Johnson was just days away from signing a contract extension as an analyst with ESPN. He was formally introduced as the new Alabama head coach on April 8.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/04/to_bill_battle_avery_johnsons.html To Bill Battle, Avery Johnson's hire proves 'timing is the key to everything' AL.com Matt Zenitz April 10, 2015 April 11, 2015 Johnson subsequently hired two assistant coaches, while retaining former Alabama player Antoine Pettway as an assistant coach for his fifth year with the program and Lou DeNeen as the strength and conditioning coach for his third year with the program. On April 20, he hired Providence assistant coach Bob Simon as his associate head coach, and then on June 4, he hired "legendary" AAU coach Scott Pospichal as a third assistant.http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/2015/04/20/tide-basketball-coach-avery-johnson-announces-hire/26107327/ Tide basketball coach Avery Johnson hires Bob Simon Montgomery Advertiser Marq Burnett April 20, 2015 June 4, 2015http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20150604/NEWS/150609905/1015/sports?p=2&tc=pg&tc=ar Scott Pospichal joins Avery Johnson's basketball staff at Alabama The Tuscaloosa News Cecil Hurt June 4, 2015 June 4, 2015 Roster changes Departures Following the firing of Grant, four players left the team, with three of them electing to transfer to other schools. Additionally, two seniors graduated and signed with professional teams, while another chose to continue his collegiate career as a graduate student at a different school. Name Number Pos. Height Weight Year Home town Notes Ricky Tarrant 2 G 6'2" 190 Junior Pleasant Grove, Alabama Transferred to Memphis.https://mweb.cbssports.com/ncaab/eye-on-college-basketball/25156129/former-alabama-guard-ricky-tarrant-says-hes-transferring-to-memphis Former Alabama guard Ricky Tarrant says he's transferring to Memphis CBS Sports Parrish, Gary April 20, 2015 April 20, 2015 Jeff Garrett 4 F 6'7" 206 Freshman Gadsden, Alabama Transferred to Northern Kentucky. Evan Daniels EvanDaniels 597060441156624385 May 9, 2015 Garrett transfers to N. Kentucky May 9, 2015 He redshirted during his only season at Alabama. Levi Randolph 20 G 6'5" 208 Senior Madison, Alabama Graduated; went undrafted in the NBA drafthttp://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/06/how_did_ex-alabama_players_far.html How did ex-Alabama players fare during NBA draft? AL.com Matt Zenitz June 25, 2015 July 5, 2015 and subsequently signed with the Boston Celtics.http://bamahammer.com/2015/08/13/levi-randolph-signs-with-the-boston-celtics/ Levi Randolph Signs With The Boston Celtics Bama Hammer FanSided Charles Evans August 13, 2015 August 14, 2015 August 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150819133555/http://bamahammer.com/2015/08/13/levi-randolph-signs-with-the-boston-celtics/ dead Rodney Cooper 21 F 6'6" 218 Senior Hurtsboro, Alabama Graduated; went undrafted in the NBA draft and subsequently signed with Soproni KC in Sopron, Hungary.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/08/ex-alabama_basketball_player_r.html Ex-Alabama basketball player Rodney Cooper signs first pro contract AL.com Matt Zenitz August 7, 2015 August 14, 2015 Devin Mitchell 23 G 6'4" 182 Freshman Suwanee, Georgia Transferred to Georgia State.http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/college/georgia-state-hoops-picks-up-alabama-transfer/nkxzG/ Georgia State hoops picks up Alabama transfer Atlanta Journal-Constitution Doug Roberson April 19, 2015 April 19, 2015 Dakota Slaughter 35 F 6'6" 220 Senior Fishers, Indiana Graduated; elected to play his final year of eligibility as a graduate transfer at Texas–Rio Grande Valley.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/04/ex-alabama_forward_transferrin.html Ex-Alabama forward transferring to Texas school AL.com Matt Zenitz April 23, 2015 April 23, 2015 John Gibson 41 F 6'7" 220 Sophomore Marietta, Georgia Left the team for undisclosed reasons. He was a walk-on at Alabama after transferring from Xavier (La.). Source: From RollTide.com (University of Alabama Athletics): http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/ricky_tarrant_845444.html Ricky Tarrant Bio April 11, 2015 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/jeff_garrett_903933.html Jeff Garrett Bio May 1, 2015 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/levi_randolph_769546.html Levi Randolph Bio April 11, 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150415064743/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/levi_randolph_769546.html April 15, 2015 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/rodney_cooper_769547.html Rodney Cooper Bio April 11, 2015 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/devin_mitchell_903934.html Devin Mitchell Bio April 19, 2015 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/dakota_slaughter_829281.html Dakota Slaughter Bio April 11, 2015 http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/john_gibson_903914.html John Gibson Bio June 12, 2015 Class of 2015 signees no no 2015 Brandon Austin SF Montgomery, Alabama Carver High School 6 5 180 August 18, 2013 3 3 3 79 3 Kobie Eubanks* SG Fort Lauderdale, Florida Our Savior New American School 6 5 206 June 22, 2015 4 4 4 80 4 Donta Hall† PF Luverne, Alabama Luverne High School 6 8 208 April 24, 2014 3 3 3 83 4 Dazon Ingram SG Theodore, Alabama Theodore High School 6 4.5 184 April 17, 2015 3 3 3 80 4 no 2015 Alabama 2015 Basketball Commitments 2015 Alabama Basketball Commits Alabama 2015 Basketball Commits ESPN alabama 14 333 NR NR 68 NR August 17, 2015 yes Lawson Schaffer, a 5-foot-11 point guard from Cullman High School in Cullman, Alabama, announced on April 30, 2015, that he would walk on at Alabama as part of the class of 2015.https://www.cullmantimes.com/sports/c-town-to-t-town-cullman-s-schaffer-chooses-tide/article_8932d6b4-ef6f-11e4-91f2-afad67871ab5.html C-Town to T-Town: Cullman’s Schaffer chooses Tide over Auburn, UAB (UPDATED) The Cullman Times Rob Ketcham April 30, 2015 May 1, 2015 He was not rated by Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, or ESPN. *Although Eubanks was considered part of Alabama's 2015 signing class, he was deemed academically ineligible in August 2015 by the NCAA Clearinghouse and consequently did not enroll at the university.https://247sports.com/Bolt/Kobie-Eubanks-ineligible-for-2015-16-season--38834961 https://web.archive.org/web/20180519042622/https://247sports.com/Bolt/Kobie-Eubanks-ineligible-for-2015-16-season--38834961 dead May 19, 2018 Kobie Eubanks not cleared for 2015-16 season 247Sports.com Hank South August 19, 2015 August 19, 2015 He eventually enrolled at Texas A&M in December 2015.https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587970-kobie-eubanks-to-texas-am-aggies-land-4-star-sg-prospect Kobie Eubanks to Texas A&M: Aggies Land 4-Star SG Prospect Bleacher Report Adam Wells November 10, 2015 January 30, 2016 †The spelling and punctuation of Hall's first name ("Donta", "Donta′", "Danta", and "Danta′") varies among recruiting sites, news articles, and Alabama's official roster. The spelling and punctuation found on Alabama's official roster was used in this article. Other additions Following the hiring of Johnson, Alabama added to its roster four players not part of the class of 2015: a former national Top 50 recruit, junior Nick King; Johnson's son, sophomore Avery Johnson Jr.; graduate transfer Arthur Edwards; and sophomore walk-on Christian Clark. Name Number Pos. Height Weight Year Home town Notes Nick King 0 F 6'7" 220 Junior Memphis, Tennessee Transferred from Memphis with two years of eligibility remaining. In accordance with NCAA Division I transfer rules, he was required to sit out the 2015–16 season. Arthur Edwards 4 G 6'6" 210 Graduate student Washington, D.C. Transferred from New Mexico with one year of eligibility remaining. Since he has already graduated from college and is attending graduate school at Alabama, he was able to play immediately, as per NCAA Division I transfer rules. Avery Johnson Jr. 13 G 5'11" 180 Sophomore Houston, Texas Transferred from Texas A&M with three years of eligibility remaining. In accordance with NCAA Division I transfer rules, he was required to sit out the 2015–16 season. Christian Clark 24 F 6'5" 210 Sophomore Chester, Virginia He was officially added to the roster in the summer of 2015 with three years of eligibility remaining after joining the team as a walk-on prior to the previous season, but only dressing out for ten games during the season. Sources: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20150425/NEWS/150429679/1015?Title=Nick-King-confirms-he-will-transfer-to-Alabama-to-play-basketball Nick King confirms he will transfer to Alabama to play basketball The Tuscaloosa News Cecil Hurt April 25, 2015 April 25, 2015http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/07/alabama_adds_graduate_transfer.html#incart_story_package Alabama adds graduate transfer wing player AL.com Matt Zenitz July 6, 2015 July 6, 2015http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/05/avery_johnson_jr_to_transfer_j.html Avery Johnson Jr. to transfer, join father at Alabama AL.com Matt Zenitz May 8, 2015 May 8, 2015http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/christian_clark_970330.html Christian Clark Bio RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics June 12, 2015 Roster 2015 Alabama Crimson Tide y y Nick King basketball y 0 G/F 6 7 225 Jr yes Memphis, Tennessee University of Memphis Riley Norris 1 G/F 6 7 203 So Albertville, Alabama Albertville High School Lawson Schaffer W 2 G 5 11 160 Fr Cullman, Alabama Cullman High School Michael Kessens 3 F 6 9 228 Jr Nyon, Switzerland Longwood University Arthur Edwards basketball y 4 G 6 6 217 GS Washington, D.C. University of New Mexico Justin Coleman 5 G 5 10 168 So Birmingham, Alabama Wenonah High School Jimmie Taylor y basketball C 10 F 6 10 248 Jr Greensboro, Alabama Greensboro High School Shannon Hale 11 F 6 8 233 Jr Johnson City, Tennessee Christ School Dazon Ingram 12 G 6 5 205 Fr yes y Theodore, Alabama Theodore High School Avery Johnson Jr. 13 G 5 11 187 So yes Houston, Texas Texas A&M University Brandon Austin 23 G 6 5 197 Fr Montgomery, Alabama Carver High School Christian Clark W 24 F 6 6 210 So Chester, Virginia Thomas Dale High School Retin Obasohan y C 32 G 6 2 210 Sr yes Antwerp, Belgium K.A. Redingenhof Donta Hall y 35 F 6 9 224 Fr Luverne, Alabama Luverne High School Avery Johnson (Southern) Antoine Pettway (Alabama) Scott Pospichal (Florida Southern) Bob Simon (Eastern Michigan) Lou DeNeen (South Florida) http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/alab-m-baskbl-mtt.html January 30, 2016 Depth chart 990000 FFFFFF 990000 Jimmie Taylor Michael Kessens Riley Norris Arthur Edwards Retin Obasohan Donta Hall Shannon Hale Christian Clark Brandon Austin Justin Coleman Lawson Schaffer Dazon Ingram (inj.) Season On August 5, the school announced that the student section in Coleman Coliseum would be shifted over two sections to the side and corner of the court opposite the visiting team's bench in an attempt to enhance the home-court advantage in the coliseum and to make the students more visible on television and closer to the court. The student section was previously directly behind the goal next to the visiting team's bench. To complement that change, the area where television cameras are set up was moved to the opposite side of the coliseum and the court was repainted so it would not appear upside down on television broadcasts.http://www.decaturdaily.com/news/top_news_rotator/alabama-upgrades-student-seating-sections-at-coleman-coliseum/article_8551b25e-4840-50c6-a1fe-6ba7dc7b56d5.html?mode=jqm Alabama upgrades student seating sections at Coleman Coliseum The Decatur Daily Alex Byington August 5, 2015 August 6, 2015 Alabama released its full non-conference schedule, consisting of twelve regular season games and one exhibition game, on August 10.https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1790834 Alabama announces basketball nonconference schedule TideSports.com Rivals.com Cecil Hurt August 10, 2015 August 10, 2015 The full conference slate was released by the SEC for all of its member schools on August 19.SEC releases 2016 men's basketball schedule Southeastern Conference August 19, 2015 https://www.secsports.com/article/13463128/sec-releases-2016-men-basketball-schedule August 19, 2015 Alabama played eighteen SEC games for a total of thirty regular season games overall. The team held its first official full team practice on October 2.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/100215aab.html Alabama Men's Basketball Season Underway with First Official Team Practice October 2, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics October 5, 2015 On October 21, members of the SEC media voted the Crimson Tide to finish 13th in the end-of-season SEC standings, ahead of only Missouri.http://www.timesdaily.com/news/top_news_rotator/alabama-picked-th-auburn-th-in-men-s-basketball/article_dacc6e88-4e79-5eef-9c70-2c092e9e3881.html Alabama picked 13th, Auburn 10th in men's basketball TimesDaily Alex Byington August 6, 2015 In the end, Alabama finished three spots higher in tenth place. On October 27, the entire team, along with the women's basketball team, was introduced to students, faculty, and season ticket holders at the "Tide Tipoff" at Coleman Coliseum, which included a three-point contest, a dunk contest, and a performance from hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd.http://bamahammer.com/2015/10/07/alabama-basketball-announces-tide-tip-off-event-for-october-27/ Alabama Basketball Announces Tide Tip-Off Event For October 27 Bama Hammer FanSided Chris Hale October 7, 2015 October 13, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222160205/http://bamahammer.com/2015/10/07/alabama-basketball-announces-tide-tip-off-event-for-october-27/ dead Alabama announced on December 10 that freshman point guard Dazon Ingram had suffered a fractured left foot in practice two days prior and would miss the remainder of the season following surgery. Ingram started the first seven games for the Crimson Tide, and at the time of his injury, he led the team in rebounding and assists averages. He was eligible for a medical redshirt and returned for the 2016–17 season with four years of eligibility.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/12/alabama_star_freshman_dazon_in.html Alabama star freshman Dazon Ingram out for the season AL.com John Talty December 10, 2015 December 10, 2015 Junior forward and starter Shannon Hale missed three games from December 16 to December 29 due to an ambiguously-referenced "medical condition". He returned in a backup role on January 2 to play limited minutes in Alabama's win over Norfolk State.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2016/01/alabama_closes_pre-sec_schedul.html Alabama closes pre-SEC schedule with another healthy beating of Spartans AL.com Michael Casagrande January 2, 2016 January 2, 2016 He returned to a starting role on January 23 versus LSU.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400830412 Quarterman, Simmons lead LSU past Alabama, 72-70 Associated Press ESPN January 23, 2016 January 23, 2016 Sophomore guard Justin Coleman saw his playing time suddenly drop for a period from January 23 to February 2 due to a nagging turf toe injury that he aggravated in practice.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2016/01/alabama_point_guard_dealing_wi.html Alabama point guard dealing with turf toe injury AL.com Michael Casagrande January 29, 2016 February 1, 2016 Although he did not start, he returned to being a big contributor for the team in the February 2 game against Mississippi State, seemingly unbothered by the injury despite being listed as a "game-time decision".http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2016/02/alcom_instant_analysis_how_ala_1.html AL.com instant analysis: How Alabama won wild one for 5th straight over Mississippi State AL.com Michael Casagrande February 2, 2016 February 2, 2016http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2016/02/alabama_point_guard.html#incart_story_package Alabama point guard 'game-time decision' for Mississippi State game AL.com Michael Casagrande February 1, 2016 February 1, 2016 Injuries continued to pile up on Alabama during SEC play as Hale missed the February 2 Mississippi State game with a foot injury suffered in the January 30 game at South Carolina. Additionally, junior forward Michael Kessens was forced to exit the MSU game with a knee injury. Kessens returned the next game, while Hale missed one more game before returning on February 10 against Texas A&M.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400830446 Alabama holds off slumping No. 15 Texas A&M, 63-62 Associated Press ESPN February 10, 2016 February 10, 2016 The team managed to avoid any more major injuries thereafter, although it is notable to point out that Kessens started in place of Hale in every game after February 2. The regular season ended on March 5, at which point Alabama was assigned the #10 seed in the SEC tournament, resulting in a first-round bye for the Tide.http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/03/sec_tournament_bracket_2016_se.html SEC Tournament bracket 2016: Seedings, matchups, complete schedule in Nashville AL.com Creg Stephenson March 5, 2016 March 5, 2016 In reference to a quote made by head coach Avery Johnson in his introductory press conference on April 8,http://alabama.247sports.com/Bolt/Full-transcript-from-Avery-Johnson-intro-presser-36686090 Full transcript from Avery Johnson intro presser BamaOnLine 247Sports.com Charlie Potter April 8, 2015 February 23, 2016 The students, alumni and fans, buckle your seatbelt. Remember that, buckle your seatbelt, we’re going somewhere.April 2024 medicmedic the unofficial slogan of the team's season was "#BuckleUp". The school embraced this, including it in Tweets by the team's official Twitter account Alabama M Basketball AlabamaMBB 700168045101056000 February 17, 2016 First example of "#BuckleUp" February 17, 2016 Alabama M Basketball AlabamaMBB 676451017110736896 December 14, 2015 Second example of "#BuckleUp" February 17, 2016 and on props given to students at basketball games. Alabama M Basketball AlabamaMBB 697539421709664256 February 10, 2016 "#BuckleUp" on foam hands given to students February 17, 2016 Game summaries Non-conference play thumb|350px|Alabama played all but one of its home games at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama kicked off the season with a home exhibition game against the Division II Trevecca Nazarene Trojans on November 6, which the Crimson Tide won handily, 87–65.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110615aac.html Men's Basketball Wins Exhibition Over Trevecca Nazarene, 87-65 November 6, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics November 6, 2015 The regular season began on November 13 in Tuscaloosa with a 77–64 win over Kennesaw State in front of 14,970 fans, the most at an Alabama home opener since 1989. Freshman guard Dazon Ingram filled the stat sheet with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in his first true game in an Alabama uniform. Senior guard Retin Obasohan also emerged as a potential leader for the Tide, contributing 18 points and three steals. This game marked Avery Johnson's official head coaching debut with Alabama, as well as his collegiate coaching debut in general.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2015/11/5_takeaways_from_alabamas_firs.html 5 takeaways from Alabama's first game under Avery Johnson AL.com Matt Zenitz November 14, 2015 November 14, 2015 Alabama then took a trip to Dayton, Ohio, to face the Dayton Flyers as part of ESPN's College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon. Despite a competitive start, the Tide suffered a poor overall shooting performance against the Flyers' stout defense and got obliterated, 80–48. No Alabama player exceeded nine points. The 32-point margin of defeat marked the worst Alabama loss since a 2001 game against Ole Miss.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111715aaa.html Alabama Men's Basketball Falls at Dayton, 80-48 November 17, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics November 19, 2015 After the embarrassing loss, Alabama returned to friendlier confines to win a 105–93 shootout over Louisiana–Lafayette in which the Crimson Tide displayed a much-improved shooting proficiency with six players reaching double-digit point totals. The team hit fifteen three-pointers and scored the most points by an Alabama team in a game since 2005. Sophomore guard Justin Coleman, junior forward Shannon Hale, and sophomore forward Riley Norris all scored a team-high 18 points for the Tide.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112015aaa.html Men's Basketball Uses 15 Three-Pointers to Cruise Past Louisiana, 105-93 November 20, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics November 20, 2015 With a bounce-back win in its pocket, Alabama next headed to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando for the AdvoCare Invitational, where in the first round the team faced #23 Xavier. Ultimately, the Crimson Tide fell to the clearly more-talented Musketeers, 64–45, in a game very similar to the Dayton game. Alabama played a competitive first half and trailed by only three at halftime, but poor second-half shooting allowed the Musketeers to pull away. Like the Dayton game, the Tide once again failed to find a reliable scoring option, with Hale and Coleman being the top contributors with only ten points apiece. This was Alabama's third loss to Xavier in as many seasons.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400826202 Bluiett scores 15, No. 23 Xavier beat Alabama 64-45 Associated Press ESPN November 26, 2015 November 26, 2015 However, the Tide bounced back in a huge way, knocking off 20th-ranked (albeit shorthanded) Wichita State 64–60 the very next day in the consolation game for the school's first win versus a ranked opponent since the 2010–11 season. A Norris three-pointer off of an offensive rebound with just under six minutes to play gave Alabama the lead for good. Alabama matched the number of field goals made from the previous game (17), but did so in thirteen fewer attempts.http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20151127/NEWS/151129744?p=1&tc=pg Alabama takes down Wichita State The Tuscaloosa News Chris Girandola November 27, 2015 November 29, 2015 Two days later, the team pulled off an even bigger upset, this time over #17 Notre Dame in the fifth-place game. Retin Obasohan contorted his body to get the go-ahead game-winning layup with eight seconds remaining in the 74–73 win; he finished with 19 points and five assists. In the final minutes of the game, Alabama had to endure two starters—Dazon Ingram and junior forward Jimmie Taylor—fouling out. Alabama had not beaten back-to-back ranked opponents since 2006. With the win, the Crimson Tide placed fifth in the AdvoCare Invitational.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112915aaa.html Men’s Basketball Upsets No. 17 Notre Dame, 74-73 November 29, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics November 29, 2015 The Tide continued its non-conference slate by heading to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to play Southern Miss, where the team staggered its way to a 58–55 win over the then-winless Golden Eagles for the Crimson Tide's first true road win of the season. Alabama put together a 19–4 second-half scoring run to take a ten-point lead, but USM fought back. Over the final seven minutes, the Golden Eagles whittled the lead down to three and had an opportunity to force overtime with two three-point attempts in the last seconds, but both missed and Alabama survived.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120415aaa.html Men's Basketball Holds Off Southern Miss, 58-55 December 4, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics December 7, 2015 After taking a crucial blow by losing Dazon Ingram for the rest of the season due to injury, Alabama trudged on, traveling to Greenville, South Carolina, to face the Clemson Tigers. The Crimson Tide held a single-digit lead for most of the game until Clemson took advantage of an Alabama scoring drought to take a 50–49 lead with under a minute to play. But with 29 seconds left, Alabama's Shannon Hale stole a Clemson inbounds pass and broke away for an easy dunk to give the Tide the lead for good in the 51–50 win, its fourth straight away from home. After going 4–1 (and 2–1 versus ranked teams) on its longest road trip since the 2000–01 season, Alabama returned home for a December 16 matchup with Winthrop.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400825536 Hale's steal, basket rescue Alabama in 51-50 victory Associated Press ESPN December 13, 2015 December 13, 2015 With Hale, a starter, out due to a medical condition, the Tide used a dominant second half and a double-double from Jimmie Taylor to soundly beat the Eagles 72–60. Justin Coleman matched a season-high with 18 points. Two late 7–0 Winthrop scoring runs cut down an Alabama lead that inflated to as much as 23 points in the second half.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/121615aab.html Alabama Men's Basketball Runs Past Winthrop, 72-60 December 16, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics December 17, 2015 In the last major game of Alabama's non-conference schedule, the Crimson Tide hosted Oregon at the Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). This was the first time Alabama had played in Birmingham since a game against Oklahoma State at the BJCC during the 2011–12 season, which the Tide won.http://oregon.247sports.com/Bolt/Alabama-basketball-will-host-Oregon-in-Birmingham-38368190 https://web.archive.org/web/20150729123921/http://oregon.247sports.com/Bolt/Alabama-basketball-will-host-Oregon-in-Birmingham-38368190 dead July 29, 2015 Alabama basketball will host Oregon in Birmingham Duck Territory 247Sports.com Charlie Potter July 24, 2015 July 24, 2015http://www.abc3340.com/story/29628349/alabama-oregon-basketball-to-play-in-birmingham-in-2015 Alabama, Oregon basketball to play in Birmingham in 2015 WBMA-LD Stu McCann July 24, 2015 July 24, 2015 This time, however, the team came up just short. Following the narrative of its previous two losses, Alabama played an outstanding first half with great shooting and led 38–26 at the break, but Oregon's shooters got hot in the second half and held on to an early second-half lead to beat the Tide 72–68. Justin Coleman, back in his hometown of Birmingham, lit up the BJCC with a career-high 24 points on seven made field goals and six free throws to keep Alabama in the game. Riley Norris had a chance to tie the game at 68 in the final minute, but his three-pointer was off the mark; Oregon followed that with two free throws. Although Alabama senior guard Arthur Edwards nailed a three-pointer with six seconds remaining, Oregon hit two more free throws to put the game out of reach.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122115aaa.html Men's Basketball Falls to Oregon in the Vulcan Classic, 72-68 December 21, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics December 22, 2015 The Crimson Tide then returned to Tuscaloosa to take on a scrappy Jacksonville State squad. Alabama head coach Avery Johnson said after the game that he had been "really concerned" about the game in the days leading up to it. His concerns held true, as the Gamecocks overcame a thirteen-point deficit in the second half (after leading by two at halftime) to tie the game at 55 late in regulation. Retin Obasohan had a chance to win it for Alabama with two free-throw attempts with 2.3 seconds left, but he missed both, leading to overtime. However, the Tide managed to take over in overtime and won the game 67–59.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122915aaa.html Men's Basketball Outlasts Jacksonville State in Overtime, 67-59 December 29, 2015 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics January 2, 2016 Alabama then capped off its non-conference slate against Norfolk State, using some sharp shooting from Obasohan and Edwards to aid in a 68–49 blowout win. Obasohan scored 23 on 9-of-12 field-goal shooting, while Edwards added 15 from five three-pointers on nine attempts. Some of Alabama's players stated that the near-collapse in the JSU game caught the team's attention and that the players' focus and accuracy in the blowout of Norfolk State could be attributed to that. Shannon Hale returned to the team for this game for his first playing time since the Clemson game. Conference play Throughout the course of the conference regular season, Alabama faced all thirteen fellow SEC members, playing five of them twice. Three of those five teams—Auburn, LSU, and Mississippi State—are Alabama's permanent "rivals", in a sense, in that Alabama faces those three teams twice every season, a practice that started with the 2015–16 season.SEC men's basketball schedule format announced Southeastern Conference May 28, 2015 https://www.secsports.com/article/12970797/sec-men-basketball-schedule-format-announced May 28, 2015 Alabama opened its SEC schedule against Ole Miss at the Rebels' new arena, The Pavilion at Ole Miss. This was Ole Miss's debut game there after having played its home games in Tad Smith Coliseum for nearly 50 years,https://www.oxfordeagle.com/2015/11/20/video-a-look-inside-the-pavilion-at-ole-miss/ VIDEO: A look inside the Pavilion at Ole Miss The Oxford Eagle Davis Potter November 20, 2015 January 4, 2016 and it predictably attracted a capacity crowd of 9,500 people. Alabama fell victim to early foul trouble for its post players, particularly starter Jimmie Taylor, and blew an eight-point halftime lead, losing the game 74–66. Retin Obasohan burst onto the SEC scene in this game, matching a career-high with 23 points, while also adding six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. However, the Crimson Tide's second-half offense could not keep up with the Rebels, producing only 26 points on nine field goals made.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2016/01/alcom_instant_analysis_ole_mis.html#incart_story_package AL.com instant analysis: Ole Miss fights back to beat Alabama AL.com Matt Zenitz January 7, 2016 January 7, 2016 Two days later, the Tide played an even tougher opponent in #9 Kentucky, this time at home in front of another sellout crowd. Despite a third-straight performance from Obasohan with 20 or more points, Kentucky enjoyed a career-best 25 points from senior forward Alex Poythress and a massive +18 team rebounding margin en route to a 77–61 blowout victory over the Crimson Tide. After the game, Wildcats head coach John Calipari was quoted as saying "that's as good as we play".https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400830384 Poythress scores 25, No. 9 Kentucky beats Alabama 77-61 Associated Press ESPN January 9, 2016 January 14, 2016 However, Alabama's confidence evidently did not waver despite opening SEC play with an 0–2 record, because in its next game against 19th-ranked and 15–0 South Carolina (which, along with SMU, represented the only remaining undefeated Division I teams), the Tide attacked the Gamecocks early and often. Alabama turned a 19–4 start and a 35–22 halftime lead into a 73–50 onslaught to give South Carolina its first loss of the season and head coach Avery Johnson his first ever SEC win. Riley Norris tied a school record for most made three-pointers, going 8-for-11 from long range, and finished with a career-high 27 points.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011316aaa.html Alabama Men's Basketball Stuns No. 15/19 South Carolina, 73-50 January 13, 2016 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics January 14, 2016 Alabama then began a two-game road trip in Nashville at Vanderbilt. Horrid free-throw shooting by Alabama (7/20; 35%) and hot three-point shooting by Vandy (9/16; 56%) resulted in a convincing 71–63 win for the Commodores. With the win, Vanderbilt took a 68–67 lead in the all-time series.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400830396 Roberson scores 15 points, Vanderbilt beats Alabama 71-63 Associated Press ESPN January 16, 2016 January 16, 2016 To close out the short road trip, the Crimson Tide headed south to visit Auburn for the Iron Bowl of Basketball. Retin Obasohan came up big for the team once again, contributing a career-high 27 points along with six rebounds, but Auburn junior guard Kareem Canty seemingly couldn't miss, going 5-for-8 from the three-point line and finishing with 25 points as the Tigers held on to a slim halftime lead to win, 83–77, in the first of two editions of the rivalry for the season.http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/01/alcom_instant_analysis.html#incart_most-commented_sports_article AL.com instant analysis: Alabama drops rivalry game against Auburn AL.com John Talty January 19, 2016 January 19, 2016 With the team bereft of any semblance of momentum, having lost four of its last five games, Alabama returned home for a huge matchup against spectacular freshman forward Ben Simmons and the LSU Tigers. The game was back-and-forth throughout its duration, with the largest lead of the whole game being eight points. After a Tim Quarterman layup gave LSU a two-point lead with 32 seconds to go, Alabama was unable to get a quality shot off before the buzzer, resulting in a 72–70 win for the Tigers. Simmons shined, racking up 23 points and eight boards despite foul trouble late in the game. Obasohan led Alabama with 20 points and Riley Norris notched a double-double. thumb|left|180px|Retin Obasohan has clearly been the team's leader this season, averaging a team-high 17.7 points per game. The demoralizing effects of the loss to LSU were evident throughout the majority of the Crimson Tide's next game, when the team hosted the Tennessee Volunteers. Alabama mustered only four points in the first ten minutes of the game, and eventually the team found itself down by fifteen to the Vols with fourteen minutes to go in the game. Then, Retin Obasohan and Shannon Hale took over; Obasohan (22 points) made multiple driving layups and a high-flying dunk while Hale (20 points) converted nine of ten free throws and a dunk of his own, powering a fierce Tide comeback. With the game tied at 57 with less than a minute to go, Arthur Edwards swished a three-pointer to take the lead, and off of a steal Obasohan converted a layup while being fouled and made the ensuing free throw to seal the comeback win, 63–57. The win snapped a three-game losing skid, the longest of the season.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400830422 Alabama rallies late to beat Tennessee 63-57 Associated Press ESPN January 27, 2016 January 27, 2016 In its following game, Alabama took on South Carolina in Columbia in an attempt to complete a two-game season sweep of the Gamecocks. In just the seventh sellout in Colonial Life Arena history, South Carolina took advantage of a foul advantage of 30–19 (which resulted in four Alabama players, including two starters, fouling out) as well as a whopping 20 offensive rebounds to outmuscle the Tide in a 78–64 Gamecock revenge win. Yet again, Obasohan proved his worth as the only true consistent leader on Alabama's team, at one point scoring 16 straight points for the Crimson Tide in the second half despite being burdened with four fouls during that entire stretch. He ended with 23 points and was eventually disqualified on a technical foul after the game was out of reach.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2016/01/alcom_instant_analysis_4_alaba.html#incart_story_package AL.com instant analysis: 4 Alabama players foul out as South Carolina thumps Tide AL.com Michael Casagrande January 30, 2016 February 1, 2016 Alabama next faced the surging Bulldogs of Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum. The Crimson Tide was very hampered by injuries, inherently missing Dazon Ingram while also missing starter Shannon Hale due to injury and losing junior forward Michael Kessens (who started in place of Hale) to an injury during the game. The game was a close one throughout, and a clutch, acrobatic running jumper by Retin Obasohan with about a minute left in regulation tied the game at 67, ultimately forcing overtime. In OT, Justin Coleman's seven points helped lead the Tide to an 82–80 win. Obasohan continued his all-SEC-caliber style of play, finishing with 25 points (his fifth-straight game with at least 20 points) and a career-high eight assists. The team followed that victory with an easy 80–71 win over a struggling Missouri squad. Five Tide players scored in double figures, Coleman Coliseum sold out for the third time of the season, and the win, coupled with the victory at MSU, signified back-to-back SEC wins for Alabama for the first time in nearly three years.http://www.annistonstar.com/sports/alabama-basketball-norris-leads-tide-past-missouri/article_9aac78d4-cd2a-11e5-96d9-472f9d1655ad.html Alabama basketball: Norris leads Tide past Missouri The Anniston Star Marq Burnett February 6, 2016 February 9, 2016 Having built a little bit of momentum, the Crimson Tide turned to a major home game against #15 Texas A&M, who entered the game on a three-game SEC losing streak after starting 7–0 in the league. Alabama enjoyed nice contributions from essentially every scholarship player, including 16 points from Obasohan and a career-high ten rebounds from freshman forward Donta Hall, and the Tide held on for a thrilling 63–62 win over the Aggies. Anthony Collins, the SEC's leading free-throw shooter at the time, missed two potentially game-tying free throws for A&M with 2.3 seconds remaining in the game. This game marked Alabama's fourth win over a ranked team, a feat the school had not accomplished since the 2001–02 season. Hale returned from a two-game hiatus due to injury to play in this game, scoring ten points off the bench. Alabama then hit the road to take on a talented Florida Gators squad. The Gators came in as a near-double-digit point favorite and led at the half, 27–23, with both teams having trouble making shots in the first half. In the second half, Alabama surged, eventually taking a two-point lead on a three-point play by Retin Obasohan with 8:50 to go. However, about three minutes later, with the Crimson Tide up 48–44, Obasohan and Arthur Edwards, both starters, were called for their fifth fouls and were forced to exit the game, leaving the Tide without its entire starting backcourt. Then Jimmie Taylor sprung into action, swatting Florida's shots and drilling thunderous dunks. Because of his efforts, Alabama never trailed for the rest of the game and left the O'Connell Center with a huge 61–55 victory. Taylor finished with eleven points, five blocks, and four rebounds in 27 minutes of work. The win was Alabama's first at Florida since 1995, snapping a ten-game losing streak in Gainesville as well as an eleven-game losing streak to the Gators in general.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400830447 Alabama beats Florida for first time in 12 tries, 61-55 Associated Press ESPN February 13, 2016 February 13, 2016http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021316aaa.html Defensive Effort Leads Men’s Basketball to a 61-55 Win at Florida February 13, 2016 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics February 13, 2016 The Tide, which had by then propelled itself firmly into the NCAA tournament conversation, attempted to continue its incredible surge at LSU. The Tigers held a 36–31 halftime lead after Alabama struggled to make some open first-half shots, but Obasohan turned it on in the latter half, exploding for 23 second-half points and finishing with a career high 35 points, and Alabama left Baton Rouge with a crucial 76–69 win, further padding its tournament résumé. Justin Coleman contributed 21 points and Riley Norris grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds to assist Obasohan in leading the team to victory. The win was Alabama's fifth straight in the SEC, which marked the first time an Alabama team had done that since the 2010–11 season.http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021716aaa.html Men's Basketball Runs Win Streak to Five, Knocks Off LSU 76-69 February 17, 2016 RollTide.com University of Alabama Athletics February 18, 2016 The team then tried to extend its win streak to six against Mississippi State in Tuscaloosa. The Bulldogs, fresh off of a thrilling last-second home win over Vanderbilt, challenged Alabama the whole game, making contested shots time and time again to maintain a small lead. Mississippi State was ahead by three at the half, and in the second half, the team answered with a big shot every time Alabama made a push for the lead. With 22 seconds left, MSU junior guard I. J. Ready sank a midrange jump shot to put the game away, and Mississippi State won 67–61. The Crimson Tide's offense was anemic aside from the play of Retin Obasohan, Shannon Hale, and Jimmie Taylor, who combined to account for 85 percent of Alabama's points.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400830466 Weatherspoon, Mississippi State hold off Alabama 67-61 Associated Press ESPN February 20, 2016 February 23, 2016 With its momentum having taken a major hit and its NCAA tournament potential in question, Alabama made a quick turnaround and went back on the road to visit #16 Kentucky to complete the season series with the Wildcats. Four and a half minutes into the game, Alabama trailed only 9–7, but then the team suffered a massive scoring drought, going 1-for-16 from the field for a long stretch before hitting two shots right before halftime. The Cats continued to build on a twelve-point halftime lead in the second half and eventually won 78–53. Sophomore guard Tyler Ulis was outstanding for Kentucky, recording 19 points and ten assists. Conversely, Alabama's offense was downright lethargic, relying on Obasohan's 29 points to stay remotely competitive in the game.http://stats.al.com/cbk/recap.asp?g=201602230292&home=292&vis=6&final=true No. 16 Kentucky pulls away from Alabama for a 78-53 victory Associated Press AL.com February 23, 2016 February 23, 2016 December 14, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171214140208/http://stats.al.com/cbk/recap.asp?g=201602230292&home=292&vis=6&final=true dead To begin the final stretch of the regular season, the Crimson Tide returned home to try to avenge the loss at Auburn from earlier in the season. In front of the fifth and final Coleman Coliseum sellout crowd of the season, Alabama overcame a 17/29 free-throw shooting performance, a ten-point deficit in the second half, and a double-double from Auburn senior forward Cinmeon Bowers to escape with a 65–57 win. Multiple dunks by Donta Hall (who finished with a career-high ten points) and Michael Kessens fueled the energy for the team, and a block of Bowers's shot by Retin Obasohan with less than a minute to go allowed the Crimson Tide to pull away at the free throw line for the win. The game displayed a great deal of physicality, with 47 total fouls being called on the teams.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400830476 Obasohan leads Alabama's 65-57 comeback win over Auburn Associated Press ESPN February 27, 2016 February 27, 2016 Alabama's next game came against Arkansas, and since it was Alabama's last home game of the regular season, it served as senior night for Obasohan and Arthur Edwards. The Tide played yet another close game throughout and found itself behind for most of the second half, eventually trailing by two with 13.4 seconds left and with possession of the ball. Obasohan and Justin Coleman both missed shots on the possession, and Arkansas hit two ensuing free throws to put the game out of reach, winning 62–61. Obasohan gave another incredible performance for his senior night, scoring 32. The game all but eliminated the Crimson Tide from NCAA Tournament contention.http://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/index.ssf/2016/03/alcom_instant_analysis_alabama_11.html AL.com instant analysis: Alabama's tourney hopes take major hit in loss to Arkansas AL.com John Talty March 2, 2016 March 2, 2016 To close out the regular season, Alabama visited Georgia. A +22 rebounding advantage for the Bulldogs allowed Georgia to maintain a small lead for most of the game, and Georgia's J. J. Frazier made all eight of his free-throw attempts in the last minute of the game to help the Bulldogs finish the season with a 70–63 victory over the Crimson Tide. In a rare occurrence, Obasohan did not lead the team in scoring; Shannon Hale did with 25 points. After the game, Georgia head coach Mark Fox campaigned for Alabama to be selected to play in the NCAA Tournament, stating, "They're a tournament-worthy team and their kids deserve the opportunity based on the schedule they played."https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400830489 Maten's 19 points lead Georgia past Hale, Alabama, 70-63 Associated Press ESPN March 5, 2016 March 5, 2016 SEC Tournament After the conclusion of the final SEC game on Saturday, March 5, the seedings for the SEC tournament were set. The tournament was held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Alabama received a first-round bye and the #10 seed in the tournament. In the Crimson Tide's first tournament game, the team was matched up with #7 seed Ole Miss in the second round. The Rebels jumped out to an early lead as Retin Obasohan endured early foul trouble, picking up his second foul less than five minutes into the game. Obasohan spent most of the half on the bench and recorded no points. Alabama held a small lead for most of the half as the two teams traded shots and headed to the locker rooms with the Crimson Tide leading 40–36. Then, in the second half, three-pointers by Obasohan, Riley Norris, and Arthur Edwards gave the Tide a 53–44 lead with fifteen minutes to play. From that point on, Alabama cruised, with its lead never falling below five points and at one point reaching fourteen. Alabama advanced to the quarterfinals with an 81–73 victory. Ole Miss senior guard Stefan Moody scored 39 points in the game, which tied for the second-most in SEC tournament history. Alabama had some star shooters of its own, with Obasohan leading the team with 17 points—all scored in the second half—and Norris, Edwards, and Justin Coleman also contributing at least 15 points apiece.https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400870184 Alabama's outside game upsets Mississippi 81-73 in SEC Associated Press ESPN March 10, 2016 March 10, 2016https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/playbyplay?gameId=400870184 Alabama vs. Ole Miss - Play-By-Play ESPN March 10, 2016 In the SEC quarterfinals, Alabama faced #2 seed Kentucky for the third time of the season. Despite another slow start by Retin Obasohan, the Crimson Tide only trailed by three after over ten minutes of play. But then the Tide suffered a drought that lasted five and a half minutes to allow UK to take an eight-point lead, which the Wildcats eventually extended to ten by halftime. After the half, Kentucky came out on fire from long range, and a 13–2 run gave the Wildcats a double-digit lead that the team would not relinquish. As Kentucky continued to drain three-pointers and Alabama continued to struggle shooting, the lead stretched to 26 and the Crimson Tide was eliminated from the SEC Tournament by a score of 85–59. Arthur Edwards built on 14 first-half points to finish the game with 20. Kentucky shot 59% from three-point range to quell any hope for a second-half Tide comeback.https://www.seccountry.com/alabama/live-blog-kentucky-vs-alabama-at-sec-basketball-tournament Rewind of Kentucky’s 85-59 win vs. Alabama in the SEC tournament SEC Country March 11, 2016 March 19, 2016https://www.seccountry.com/alabama/kentucky-blows-past-alabama-advances-in-sec-tournament Kentucky blows past Alabama, advances in SEC tournament SEC Country March 11, 2016 March 19, 2016 With only one win in the SEC Tournament and sitting only four games above a .500 winning percentage at 18–14, Alabama was essentially locked out of the NCAA Tournament. National Invitation Tournament Alabama was not selected to play in the NCAA tournament, but the team did earn and accept a bid to play in the National Invitation Tournament as a #5 seed. The team was paired with #4 seed Creighton, which had also finished the regular season with an 18–14 record after going 9–9 in the Big East and finishing sixth in the conference. Since Creighton was the higher seed, the game was played in Omaha, Nebraska, at Creighton's home arena, CenturyLink Center Omaha. Statistics and rankings The team holds an 18–13 record (8–10 in conference play), with a 10–5 record at home, a 5–7 record on the road, and a 3–1 record at neutral sites. The team also owns a 4–3 record against teams that were ranked when Alabama played them. Retin Obasohan leads the team in scoring average at 17.7 points per game, Riley Norris leads all active players with 5.4 rebounds per game, and Justin Coleman leads the team in assists at 3.5 per game. Additionally, Jimmie Taylor ranks 53rd-best in the country in blocks per game at an average of 1.9, while Coleman ranks sixth-best in the country in free-throw percentage, having made 71 of his 79 attempts, which is good for 89.9%.http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/blocks/sort/avgBlocks/count/41 https://web.archive.org/web/20110213081252/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/blocks/sort/avgBlocks/count/41 dead February 13, 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Player Blocks Statistics - 2015-16 ESPN March 10, 2016http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/free-throws/sort/freeThrowPct https://web.archive.org/web/20100328082550/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/free-throws/sort/freeThrowPct dead March 28, 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Player Free-Throw Shooting Statistics - 2015-16 ESPN March 10, 2016 Alabama is averaging a meager 67.0 points per game, while allowing an average of 67.1 points scored by its opponents. The team is 13–3 when holding opponents under 70 points, and 5–10 otherwise. According to NCAA.com, Alabama's RPI résumé is the 75th-best in the country and the seventh-best in the SEC, while according to ESPN, its strength of schedule ranks 30th-highest in the country and third-highest in the conference.https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-men/d1/ncaa-mens-basketball-rpi Rankings - NCAA Men's Basketball RPI NCAA March 10, 2016http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rpi/_/groupId/23 https://web.archive.org/web/20130114131827/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rpi/_/groupId/23 dead January 14, 2013 2015-16 Daily RPI ESPN March 10, 2016 The Crimson Tide did not receive any votes in the AP or Coaches Polls.http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings https://web.archive.org/web/20100306040632/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings dead March 6, 2010 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Rankings ESPN March 10, 2016 Combined team statistics NameGPGSMinAvgFGFGAFG%3Pt3PtA3Pt%FTFTAFT%ORDRRebAvgPFDQAstTOBlkStlPtsAvg Brandon Austin3002688.918590.3058400.200240.500720270.91702643461.5 Christian Clark90131.4010.000000.000000.0002020.210020000.0 Justin Coleman33786626.2732430.300401470.27273820.890857652.0470110650232597.8 Arthur Edwards333394528.61072590.413711800.39427410.659181061243.8833476215263129.5 Shannon Hale281268824.6952570.370431310.32868910.7472456802.9642145871330110.8 Donta Hall33042112.837610.607000.00019440.43246961424.38357165615932.8 Dazon Ingram7717925.620370.541120.50013220.591635415.9242232438547.7 Michael Kessens332154716.648860.558150.20025460.54350671173.5774192914151223.7 Riley Norris331993028.2772080.370451200.37547720.653541221765.364023398262467.5 Retin Obasohan3333106732.31934100.471481290.3721462090.699191071263.88338782104558017.6 Lawson Schaffer160322.02100.200290.222240.5002020.130210180.5 Jimmie Taylor333369421.0681190.571000.00036970.371531011544.7854134159171725.2 Team 384785 1 13 Season total33 6650 73817500.4222597630.3394587120.643327814114134.663223347438176192219366.5 Opponents33 6650 76918780.4092116420.3294937350.671431828125938.26481637040197189224267.9 Source: Schedule and results yes yes yes |- !colspan=12 style="background:#990000; color:#FFFFFF;"| Exhibition game November 6 7 p.m. yes Trevecca Nazarene Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN+ 87–65 0–0 Hale 18 Kessens 9 Obasohan 5 10,732 |- !colspan=12 style="background:#990000; color:#FFFFFF;"| Non-conference regular season November 13 7:30 p.m. yes Kennesaw State Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 77–64 1–0 Obasohan 18 Taylor 10 Coleman 5 14,970 November 17 Noon yes yes Dayton UD Arena Dayton, OH College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon ESPN 48–80 1–1 Norris 9 Hall 6 Ingram 4 12,118 November 20 7 p.m. yes Louisiana–Lafayette Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN+ 105–93 2–1 Tied 18 Ingram 7 Coleman 8 11,465 November 26 11 a.m. yes yes Xavier 23 HP Field House Lake Buena Vista, FL AdvoCare Invitational – First round ESPN2 45–64 2–2 Tied 10 Ingram 9 Coleman 2 4,629 November 27 11 a.m. yes yes Wichita State 20 HP Field House Lake Buena Vista, FL AdvoCare Invitational – Consolationgame ESPN3 64–60 3–2 Hale 20 Ingram 8 Ingram 3 4,170 November 29 6 p.m yes yes Notre Dame 17 HP Field House Lake Buena Vista, FL AdvoCare Invitational – Fifth-placegame ESPNU 74–73 4–2 Tied 19 Kessens 9 Obasohan 5 4,633 December 4 7 p.m. yes yes Southern Miss Reed Green Coliseum Hattiesburg, MS FS1 58–55 5–2 Obasohan 20 Tied 5 Ingram 4 3,296 December 13 5 p.m. yes yes Clemson Bon Secours Wellness Arena Greenville, SC ESPNU 51–50 6–2 Obasohan 23 Taylor 9 Coleman 5 7,412 December 16 8 p.m. yes Winthrop Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 72–60 7–2 Coleman 18 Taylor 11 Coleman 5 10,005 December 21 8 p.m. yes Oregon BJCC Birmingham, AL Vulcan Classic ESPNU 68–72 7–3 Coleman 24 Tied 5 Coleman 6 14,508 December 29 7 p.m. yes Jacksonville State Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN+ 67–59 OT 8–3 Edwards 16 Norris 11 Tied 3 11,417 January 2 1 p.m. yes Norfolk State Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 68–49 9–3 Obasohan 23 Kessens 9 Coleman 6 10,884 |- !colspan=12 style="background:#990000; color:#FFFFFF;"| SEC regular season January 7 8 p.m. yes Ole Miss The Pavilion at Ole Miss Oxford, MS ESPNU 66–74 9–4 0–1 Obasohan 23 Kessens 7 Obasohan 4 9,500 January 9 5 p.m. Kentucky 9 Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 61–77 9–5 0–2 Obasohan 21 Tied 6 Tied 2 15,383 January 13 8 p.m. South Carolina 19 Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 73–50 10–5 1–2 Norris 27 Norris 7 Edwards 4 12,443 January 16 5 p.m. yes Vanderbilt Memorial Gymnasium Nashville, TN SECN 63–71 10–6 1–3 Hale 13 Taylor 9 Coleman 3 12,565 January 19 8 p.m. yes Auburn Auburn Arena Auburn, AL Iron Bowl of Basketball SECN 77–83 10–7 1–4 Obasohan 27 Taylor 8 Coleman 5 9,121 January 23 1 p.m. LSU Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL ESPNU 70–72 10–8 1–5 Obasohan 20 Norris 10 Tied 4 15,383 January 26 8 p.m. Tennessee Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 63–57 11–8 2–5 Obasohan 22 Norris 13 Obasohan 5 11,429 January 30 5 p.m. yes South Carolina Colonial Life Arena Columbia, SC SECN 64–78 11–9 2–6 Obasohan 23 Tied 6 Tied 4 18,000 February 2 8 p.m. yes Mississippi State Humphrey Coliseum Starkville, MS SECN 82–80 OT 12–9 3–6 Obasohan 25 Taylor 6 Obasohan 8 6,265 February 6 2 p.m. Missouri Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 80–71 13–9 4–6 Norris 18 Obasohan 7 Coleman 5 15,383 February 10 6 p.m. Texas A&M 15 Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 63–62 14–9 5–6 Obasohan 16 Hall 10 Obasohan 5 11,086 February 13 4:30 p.m. yes Florida O'Connell Center Gainesville, FL SECN 61–55 15–9 6–6 Obasohan 15 Obasohan 7 Tied 2 12,045 February 17 8 p.m. yes LSU Pete Maravich Assembly Center Baton Rouge, LA SECN 76–69 16–9 7–6 Obasohan 35 Norris 16 Coleman 5 10,703 February 20 1:30 p.m. Mississippi State Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 61–67 16–10 7–7 Tied 22 Edwards 7 Tied 3 15,383 February 23 6 p.m. yes Kentucky 16 Rupp Arena Lexington, KY ESPN 53–78 16–11 7–8 Obasohan 29 Hall 8 Tied 1 24,262 February 27 4 p.m. Auburn Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL Iron Bowl of Basketball SECN 65–57 17–11 8–8 Obasohan 16 Tied 8 Coleman 6 15,383 March 2 8 p.m. Arkansas Coleman Coliseum Tuscaloosa, AL SECN 61–62 17–12 8–9 Obasohan 32 Tied 7 Tied 3 11,533 March 5 3 p.m. yes Georgia Stegeman Coliseum Athens, GA ESPN2 63–70 17–13 8–10 Hale 25 Norris 6 Tied 3 8,280 |- !colspan=12 style="background:#990000; color:#FFFFFF;"| SEC Tournament March 10 6 p.m. yes 10 Ole Miss 7 Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN Second round SECN 81–73 18–13 Obasohan 17 Norris 11 Coleman 5 11,750 March 11 6 p.m. yes 10 Kentucky 16 2 Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN Quarterfinals SECN 59–85 18–14 Edwards 20 Norris 7 Obasohan 2 15,227 |- !colspan=12 style="background:#990000; color:#FFFFFF;"| National Invitation Tournament March 15 8 p.m. yes yes 5 Creighton 4 CenturyLink Center Omaha Omaha, NE St. Bonaventure bracket – First round ESPN 54–72 18–15 Coleman 18 Hall 8 Obasohan 4 6,305 AP Poll Central Time. (5) during NIT is seeding within St. Bonaventure bracket Schedule link: http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-baskbl/sched/alab-m-baskbl-sched.html Class of 2016 recruiting Alabama currently holds two commitments for its 2016 recruiting class: JUCO swingman Ar'Mond Davis, who announced his commitment to Alabama on Twitter on September 23, 2015, after decommitting from Memphis earlier that month,https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/09/23/alabama-lands-talented-juco-guard-armond-davis/ Alabama lands talented JUCO wing Ar’mond Davis NBC Sports Scott Phillips September 23, 2015 September 23, 2015 and four-star forward Braxton Key (formerly Braxton Blackwell), who committed to the Tide over his hometown school, Vanderbilt, as well as Kansas and Texas, on October 21, 2015.https://www.espn.com/recruiting/basketball/story/_/id/13939530/alabama-crimson-tide-gets-commitment-sf-braxton-key-ranked-no-66-espn-100 Alabama gets commitment from SF Braxton Key, ranked No. 66 in ESPN 100 ESPN Reggie Rankin October 21, 2015 October 21, 2015 On August 17, 2015, consensus five-star wing and McDonald's All-American Terrance Ferguson committed to Alabama. However, as Key and Davis signed their letters of commitment to the Capstone in November during the early signing period, Ferguson hesitated, causing numerous rumors to circulate questioning the strength of his commitment. Eventually, on March 1, Ferguson's high school basketball coach informed the media that the top-20 recruit had decided to decommit from Alabama and reopen his recruitment. He did not rule out a possible recommitment to Alabama, however, so now the Crimson Tide is competing with Kansas and others to land Ferguson.http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1647490-5-star-terrance-ferguson-reopens-recruitment Five-star SF Terrance Ferguson backs off Alabama pledge and reopens recruitment Scout.com Evan Daniels March 1, 2016 March 19, 2016https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/14877858/five-star-wing-terrance-ferguson-decommits-alabama-crimson-tide Terrance Ferguson, five-star wing, decommits from Alabama ESPN Jeff Borzello March 1, 2016 March 19, 2016 no no 2016 Ar'Mond Davis SG Tacoma, Washington College of Southern Idaho 6 5.5 179 September 23, 2015 3 N/A 4 JC N/A Braxton Key SF Mouth of Wilson, Virginia Oak Hill Academy 6 7.5 216 October 21, 2015 4 4 4 85 4 no 2016 2016 Alabama Basketball Commits 2016 Player Commits – Alabama 14 333 NR 14 45 NR March 5, 2016 yes Additional sources: https://alabama.n.rivals.com/commitments/basketball/ 2016 Alabama Basketball Commitment List TideSports.com Rivals.com March 5, 2016https://247sports.com/college/alabama/Season/2016-Basketball/Commits/ Alabama 2016 Basketball Commits 247Sports.com March 5, 2016https://basketballrecruiting.n.rivals.com/news/2016-basketball-team-rankings 2016 Basketball Team Rankings Rivals.com March 5, 2016https://247sports.com/Season/2016-Basketball/CompositeTeamRankings 2016 Basketball Recruiting Composite Team Rankings 247Sports.com March 5, 2016http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/classrankings https://web.archive.org/web/20120805031852/http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/classrankings dead August 5, 2012 2016 Basketball Class Rankings ESPN March 5, 2016 See also Iron Bowl of Basketball 2015–16 NCAA Division I men's basketball season 2015–16 NCAA Division I men's basketball rankings 2015–16 Alabama Crimson Tide women's basketball team References 2 External links Alabama Men's Basketball Home at RollTide.com Alabama Category:Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball seasons Alabama Alabama Crimson Tide Alabama Crimson Tide