Breaking news Alabama vs South Dakota State: 2024-25 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

Alabama vs. South Dakota State: 2024-25 College Basketball Game Preview

As the 2024-25 college basketball season unfolds, one exciting matchup to look forward to is the contest between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Both teams have unique profiles and are coming into the season with distinct goals and expectations. This game will not only serve as an early-season test for both squads but will also offer fans an intriguing look at how the two programs compare on the national stage. With a combination of talent, strategy, and exciting young players, Alabama vs. South Dakota State promises to be a high-energy contest that could have implications for both teams as they continue to build their respective seasons.

In this preview, we will dive deep into the key storylines, player matchups, tactical approaches, and the larger context surrounding the game, giving you a comprehensive look at what to expect from this exciting showdown.

Overview of Alabama Basketball

Under the guidance of head coach Nate Oats, Alabama basketball has continued its upward trajectory. Known for his fast-paced offensive system and emphasis on aggressive defense, Oats has turned Alabama into a contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationally. Alabama enters the 2024-25 season with high expectations, having seen success in recent years. The Crimson Tide reached the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 in 2023 and have built a roster capable of competing with the best in the country.

Key Players to Watch for Alabama

• Brandon Miller (Freshman Forward): Alabama’s biggest incoming talent for 2024-25 is forward Brandon Miller, who is expected to make an immediate impact. A top-10 recruit and a potential lottery pick in the NBA Draft, Miller’s versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability make him a player to watch.
• Jahvon Quinerly (Senior Guard): Quinerly is a steady hand in the backcourt and brings invaluable leadership experience to the team. Known for his poise and playmaking ability, he will be instrumental in running Alabama’s offense.
• Noah Gurley (Senior Forward): Gurley provides a veteran presence and plays a key role in both scoring and rebounding. His ability to stretch the floor and play tough defense will be essential to Alabama’s success.

Alabama will enter the game with one of the most talented rosters in the nation, and their high-flying, up-tempo style is likely to be on full display.

Overview of South Dakota State Basketball

South Dakota State, a mid-major program from the Summit League, has a proud basketball tradition, frequently competing at a high level in the NCAA Tournament. The Jackrabbits have been known for their shooting prowess and ability to upset higher-seeded teams in March Madness. Their roster is loaded with players who have significant experience and the ability to compete with teams from major conferences.

In the 2024-25 season, South Dakota State is aiming to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, with aspirations to be a potential Cinderella story. They are looking to build on their previous seasons of success and gain recognition as one of the top mid-major programs in the country.

Key Players to Watch for South Dakota State

• Zeke Mayo (Junior Guard): Mayo is the Jackrabbits’ leading scorer and playmaker, known for his ability to stretch the floor and make plays. His shooting touch and ability to drive to the basket will be key in helping South Dakota State compete with larger programs like Alabama.
• Matt Mims (Senior Guard): A steady and reliable presence in the backcourt, Mims is an experienced player who can hit big shots in clutch moments. His leadership and ability to control the game will be crucial for South Dakota State in tough matchups.
• Alex Arians (Senior Forward): A versatile forward, Arians provides both scoring and rebounding for the Jackrabbits. His ability to impact the game in multiple areas will be important as South Dakota State looks to challenge Alabama.

South Dakota State’s ability to shoot the three-ball at a high rate will be a major storyline in this game, as it will be crucial for them to keep pace with the Crimson Tide’s offense.

Tactical Breakdown: Alabama’s Fast-Paced Offense vs. South Dakota State’s Sharpshooting

One of the most intriguing aspects of this game will be the clash of styles between the two teams. Alabama is known for its up-tempo, fast-paced offense, while South Dakota State excels in shooting the ball from long range.

Alabama’s Offensive Strategy: Fast Break and Three-Point Shooting

Nate Oats’ philosophy revolves around pace and spacing, with an emphasis on pushing the ball up the court and generating open looks from three-point range. The Crimson Tide’s offense is predicated on creating fast-break opportunities, quick ball movement, and taking advantage of mismatches on the floor.

Alabama will likely look to exploit their size advantage, particularly inside, but they also rely on a plethora of three-point shooters to stretch the defense. With players like Miller, Gurley, and Quinerly, Alabama is well-equipped to hit shots from beyond the arc and generate open looks in transition.

South Dakota State’s Offensive Strategy: Three-Point Heavy Attack

South Dakota State has long been known for its sharpshooting ability, and the 2024-25 season should be no different. With Mayo and Mims leading the charge, the Jackrabbits are expected to rely heavily on three-point shooting to create scoring opportunities. Their ability to space the floor and knock down long-range shots could help them stay competitive in a high-scoring affair.

To counter Alabama’s athleticism and defensive pressure, South Dakota State will need to take advantage of open looks from beyond the arc, especially in transition. If they can get hot from three-point range, they could be in a position to pull off an upset.

Defensive Matchups: Alabama’s Pressure vs. South Dakota State’s Adaptability

Defensively, Alabama is known for its aggressive full-court press and ability to force turnovers. Their defense is built on creating chaos, trapping ball handlers, and getting out in transition. The Crimson Tide’s defensive intensity is one of their trademarks, and they’ll look to disrupt South Dakota State’s rhythm early in the game.

South Dakota State, on the other hand, is a disciplined team that relies on smart, fundamental defense. While they may not have the same athleticism as Alabama, the Jackrabbits are capable of executing a sound defensive game plan. They will need to limit Alabama’s fast-break points and contest three-pointers while also finding ways to create opportunities for themselves in transition.

TV Schedule and Viewing Information

The game between Alabama and South Dakota State is set to be an exciting and competitive matchup. Here’s the information you’ll need to catch all the action:

• Date: TBA (likely to be scheduled in December 2024 or early 2025)
• Time: TBA
• TV Broadcast: The game will likely be broadcast nationally on either ESPN, ESPN2, or SEC Network, depending on the time of year and schedule.
• Streaming: For those unable to watch the game on TV, it will likely be available via streaming platforms such as ESPN+ or other platforms that carry SEC basketball games.

It’s worth checking local listings and the official schedules of both teams as the season progresses for the most up-to-date information.

Key Storylines Heading into the Game

1. Alabama’s Title Aspirations: Alabama enters the season as one of the favorites in the SEC and with national title hopes. This game represents a chance to sharpen their game and build momentum for a challenging conference schedule.
2. South Dakota State’s Cinderella Hopes: South Dakota State will be looking to establish themselves as one of the top mid-majors and to make noise in the NCAA Tournament. A strong showing against Alabama could be a springboard for their season.
3. Brandon Miller’s Debut: As one of the most highly anticipated players of the 2024-25 season, all eyes will be on Brandon Miller. His performance in this game will be a key factor in Alabama’s success.
4. Three-Point Showdown: With both teams known for their ability to shoot from beyond the arc, the three-point battle could be one of the defining factors in the game. Which team can take control of the game with long-range shooting?