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aztarheel · 01-18-2007, 11:42 AM

Steve Victory JOURNAL – Preseason 2014-15

It becomes obvious to coach Steve Victory pretty quickly that an ACT runner-up finish carries only so much weight with Alabama fans.

Sure, folks at College of Charleston might have had a parade in Victory’s honor for such a feat. But being “66th best in the land” doesn’t mean a whole lot to a town used to its football team competing regularly for BCS bowl berths.

“Would Tide fans applaud their football team for winning the Poulan Weedeater Independence Bowl?” writes new Tuscaloosa News sports columnist Jeff Wilt, aka The Sheriff. “Not for very long, I can tell you that.

“Finish as the NCT runner-up, Mr. Victory, and we’ll give you the standing ovation you crave. Until then, we’re not very impressed.”

Ouch. Granted Wilt is the “stir-em-up” tabloid journalist type, but his tone represents the mood of many ‘Bama fans who have endured a decade-long drought from the NCT.

Fortunately, the stage is set for Victory and company to turn some heads in the basketball realm. At least on paper, Victory’s sixth Alabama team looks like a solid NCT contender.

The folks at .400 Software call Alabama’s talent level “Superior” and even remark that the two freshmen are “very good.” Challenge level: moderate. Expectations: Win a few games. The school’s hoops prestige is still at a paltry 43 (below average), however.

Here’s the line-up:
Likely starters – PG Erazem Lekivicius (senior, great career already!), SG Cliff McWilliams (soph), SF Michael Bliss (junior – by far the best to ever play for Victory), PF Josiah Parker (senior – beat out junior phenom Brett Fischer after a great summer!) and C Brody Adams (senior).

The backups: PF Fischer, C Craig King (junior), C Kevin Stevenson (senior), SG Bob Woods (senior walk-on), PG Taliek Edwards (senior walk-on), SF Travis Williams (junior – could be a surprise!), C Jordie Barnes (frosh) and PG Will Turner (frosh).

The big key is McWilliams and how well he’ll fit into the veteran lineup. As always, injuries – or the lack of them – could determine a lot…

Realistically, this could be Victory’s best chance at an NCT title within his 15-year timeframe. Six seniors will graduate after this season, and the rumor mill has juniors Bliss and Fischer jumping ship to the NBA. Victory will have 6-8 new players on his team next year and only three more years with which to capture the NCT crown... Will it be 2015 or bust?

01-18-2007, 11:42 AM	#82
aztarheel High School JV Join Date: Sep 2006	Steve Victory JOURNAL – Preseason 2014-15 It becomes obvious to coach Steve Victory pretty quickly that an ACT runner-up finish carries only so much weight with Alabama fans. Sure, folks at College of Charleston might have had a parade in Victory’s honor for such a feat. But being “66th best in the land” doesn’t mean a whole lot to a town used to its football team competing regularly for BCS bowl berths. “Would Tide fans applaud their football team for winning the Poulan Weedeater Independence Bowl?” writes new Tuscaloosa News sports columnist Jeff Wilt, aka The Sheriff. “Not for very long, I can tell you that. “Finish as the NCT runner-up, Mr. Victory, and we’ll give you the standing ovation you crave. Until then, we’re not very impressed.” Ouch. Granted Wilt is the “stir-em-up” tabloid journalist type, but his tone represents the mood of many ‘Bama fans who have endured a decade-long drought from the NCT. Fortunately, the stage is set for Victory and company to turn some heads in the basketball realm. At least on paper, Victory’s sixth Alabama team looks like a solid NCT contender. The folks at .400 Software call Alabama’s talent level “Superior” and even remark that the two freshmen are “very good.” Challenge level: moderate. Expectations: Win a few games. The school’s hoops prestige is still at a paltry 43 (below average), however. Here’s the line-up: Likely starters – PG Erazem Lekivicius (senior, great career already!), SG Cliff McWilliams (soph), SF Michael Bliss (junior – by far the best to ever play for Victory), PF Josiah Parker (senior – beat out junior phenom Brett Fischer after a great summer!) and C Brody Adams (senior). The backups: PF Fischer, C Craig King (junior), C Kevin Stevenson (senior), SG Bob Woods (senior walk-on), PG Taliek Edwards (senior walk-on), SF Travis Williams (junior – could be a surprise!), C Jordie Barnes (frosh) and PG Will Turner (frosh). The big key is McWilliams and how well he’ll fit into the veteran lineup. As always, injuries – or the lack of them – could determine a lot… Realistically, this could be Victory’s best chance at an NCT title within his 15-year timeframe. Six seniors will graduate after this season, and the rumor mill has juniors Bliss and Fischer jumping ship to the NBA. Victory will have 6-8 new players on his team next year and only three more years with which to capture the NCT crown... Will it be 2015 or bust?