Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports
The University of Alabama men’s basketball team has picked up their second commitment of the 2014 class. Albertsville, Ala. naive Riley Norris made his commitment via his Twitter page, picking the Crimson Tide over several other offers that included SEC rivals Tennessee and Florida. Norris, a 6-foot-7, 180-pound small forward is rated a four-star prospect and the No. 1 player in the state of Alabama according to ESPN. Norris joins point guard Justin Coleman in the Tide’s 2014 recruiting class.
Head coach Anthony Grant has needed some good news this offseason after his do-it-all point guard Trevor Lacey jumped ship for North Carolina State. Add the defection of Devonta Pollard from the university due to family issues, and that leaves the Crimson Tide very thin for the 2013-14 season. While the immediate future looks to be a serious rebuilding effort, the Tide fans are getting a few reasons to be excited about the future of their basketball program.
Grant has added another stellar piece for 2014 in Norris. As a power forward who can stretch the defense with his three-point shot, Norris will be a very unique player for the Tide. He excels as a face-up forward with the ability to drive and finish at the rim. Alabama hasn’t really had a player with Norris’ unique skill set in recent memory. For Norris to pick Alabama over at least 20 other offers speaks volumes to the effect Anthony Grant is having on the program. Despite being in a major rebuilding effort, Grant can still land the highest ranked talent in the state. Tide fans should be excited for Norris to stay in state and play for the Crimson Tide.
Brian Lewis is an SEC Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can add him to your network on Google.
