Arkansas-Alabama: Lessons Not Learned But The Team Needs Love

Anthony Grant has the Alabama men's basketball team playing at a higher level this year compared to the 2008 team, yet it is not good enough to win against mediocre SEC competition. Last week, at home, the Crimson Tide lost a hard fought, close game to the Vanderbilt Commodores.

This evening, Alabama played good enough to win the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks but they did not play with enough effort to finish strong. The Razorbacks ended on a 24-13 run to close out the game and hand the Tide consecutive conference losses.

Anthony Grant was christened against the Commodores but he was baptized against the Razorbacks. This is SEC basketball. He cannot be satisfied with his teams play. They have the ability and talent to excel. Depth is certainly a problem but it can't be fixed before next year. The time is now.

Moreover, the Tide continues to hurt themselves with freshman-type mistakes from veteran players. Junior Senario Hillman was ejected mid-way through the second half after a second flagrant foul. At the time of the foul, Bama trailed by one.

Hillman, a two year starter, and should know better. In addition, the team needs his leadership and athletic play in order to win. Grant came to Alabama to change the direction of the program. At this point, it is hard to tell much of a difference.

It is not for a lack of athleticism and basketball skill. A show of support could help.

As Alabama fans, it is time to be patient but expectant of a good return in the investment the administration has placed in Anthony Grant. It's a tough conference, it time to toughen up, Alabama.

Grant needs the support of the student body and die-hard basketball fans in the local community. This week, encourage the players to improve, let them know that the students care about basketball as much as any sport on the campus.

If the Auburn Tigers basketball team can take the Kentucky Wildcats to the brink of defeat in front of a sold out home crowd, we should be just as able to defend our home court. The raucous crowd energized the Auburn team and they responded. We need to do the same.

Alabama returns home to defend their court against the No.10 Tennessee Volunteers on Tuesday. The student body and fans need to fill Coleman Coliseum for the 6 PM ESPN broadcast.

The Alabama Men's Basketball team needs to feel the love from the Alabama fan base and use that energy to dismantle the Vols in front of a chaotic home crowd. Roll Tide, baby.