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Alabama basketball fans have been waiting patiently for this program to take the next step for years. Since Mark Gottfried took Alabama to the Elite Eight in 2004, they have only made the tournament three times and out of the first round once in 2006.

Enter Avery Johnson where he has Alabama entering the 2017 season with high expectations thanks to a top-five recruiting class, which is the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history. While it may be impossible for Coach Avery Johnson to repeat that kind of recruiting success, he and the staff are in prime position to have strong recruiting classes the next few years.

Let's take a look at some prospects for the 2018 and 2019 class as well as some needs.

Alabama currently does not have any commitments but expect that to change before around the end of the calendar year. It is not surprising for a team to not have a commitment at this time, as some prospects like to see who goes pro and how a team performs during the season.

Position needs that Alabama needs to address are: point guard, small forward, and shooting guard. With Collin Sexton more than likely leaving after the season for the NBA draft, which would only leave Dazon Ingram, Avery Johnson Jr., and Tevin Mack (who isn’t a true point guard) as the team’s only point guards. The coaching staff prefers having Ingram playing multiple positions, so adding another point guard would be crucial to be able to use the players the way they want.

Braxton Key is the only true small forward on the team currently; so adding a quality small forward would be huge for depth. There are players such as Ingram, John Petty, Alex Reese, Herb Jones, and Tevin Mack who could play that position as well, but Key may not be back next season and those players’ primary position is not small forward.

Lastly, you can never have too many shooters on any team. Shooting guard is a position Alabama has to have depth at to win consistently. Collin Sexton should be gone next year, but John Petty will more than likely back, which would be huge for the position. However, the depth is not there behind Petty. Lets check out the players the staff is targeting to fill these needs.

Fleming is a big kid standing at 6’9 230 lb from Canton, MS. He does not meet any of the needs that I just mentioned, but he is a raw player with a very high ceiling. Most analysts list him as a center, but I have compared him to a young Jamychal Green with his measurables. He has very smooth low post moves and has a lot of room to gain muscle to become a force inside.

Fleming officially visited Alabama on September 29 and was said to have had a fantastic time. The staff also recently visited Fleming on September 15th. I would consider Fleming a strong Bama lean at this time and possibly a silent commit. He is definitely one that is on commitment watch.

This is a player Alabama really needs to land. Woodard is a true SF at 6’6 220 with the ability to step out and hit the three as well as overpower a defender. He is a top 100 player with a high ceiling and room to grow. Also, he is very good friends with Javian Fleming. I like Alabama’s chances with the top player in Mississippi because he really likes Coach Avery and has great chemistry with the staff.

He has been taking unofficial visits to several schools recently, with Alabama being on September 5th. Woodard seems to be someone who will want to wait until the late signing period to make a decision.

Jared Butler is a guy that has blown up in the recruiting world. Alabama offered Butler back in May and since then, Virginia and Baylor have both offered as well. Butler is a 6’2 180 lb. PG from Reserve, LA. He is someone who Coach Avery and the staff really wants. Butler has visited Alabama twice since he was offered, most recently on September 9th. The staff wants him so bad, the whole staff visited Butler four days after his visit.

They are going all in on Butler and I believe it will pay off. I consider Butler a Bama lean at this time and someone Alabama cannot afford to miss on. He would be a huge piece in trying to replace Sexton after this upcoming season. Butler is a very talented player. Watch for Virginia to play a big role on his decision.

Diante Wood

Wood is a 6’4 175 lb SG from Anniston, AL who is a talented player. Alabama was recently in to visit Wood today. I believe he is a take at the moment, but the numbers are tight and I believe the three players above are a higher priority. Wood will visit Alabama on October 13-15. Auburn leads for Wood currently.

Khavon Moore

Moore is the most talented player on this list, but he is a long shot at this point. There was a lot of momentum when Alabama offered Moore, and he visited unofficially, but it seems that Florida is the heavy leader at the moment.

Here’s a brief list of players Alabama is going after for 2019:

Trendon Watford:

He is the prized recruit of this class for Alabama. Alabama is on the list for #1 player James Wiseman, but the top player in Alabama who is also a potential top 10 player is a must-have. His brother played at Indiana and he recently visited there with his brother, but I still consider Alabama a strong favorite.

Kira Lewis Jr.

Kira Lewis is another huge target for Alabama. The 2nd ranked player in the state of Alabama will also be a top 100 player in the country. Alabama recently visited Kira on September 14th and the visit went very good. Kira feels very comfortable around the staff and loves Coach Avery. I consider Lewis a Bama lean.

Austin Crowley:

Crowley is one of the top players in Mississippi for 2019 and a priority for Alabama. He recently had the staff in for a visit at his practice on September 11. He’s a lanky 6’6 SG who can really shoot, so he will be a priority thinking Petty won’t stay more than two years.

This team should start out this season ranked in the top 25 and predicted to finish top 3 in the SEC. With the current roster and Coach Avery Johnson at the helm, this team has an incredibly high ceiling. Everyone knows Coach Avery will have his team play great defense, but this year this team will be known for the fast pace and numerous scorers they have. I see this team having the potential to expect to make it to the second weekend of the tournament.

I predicted earlier that this team will be around a 23 win team, With how difficult of a non-conference schedule they play, that will be an incredible season. Get ready for a lot of excitement and to go places that Alabama basketball hasn’t been since the Wimp days. Buckle Up Bama fans.

Jordan Harper is a BamaInsider.com Basketball Correspondent

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