Already lacking much in the way of front court depth the Alabama Crimson Tide could ill afford to have a player go down for a significant length of time due to injury.
But that’s exactly what has happened, as it was announced on Wednesday that 7-1 junior center Carl Engstrom would be out for the season after tearing the ACL and MCL in his left knee in a 58-56 loss at Cincinnati on December 1.
“We are disappointed to lose Carl for the remainder of the season. Carl is a very valuable member of our team and will be greatly missed,” head coach Anthony Grant said in a statement released by the school.
“However, the hard work and determination that he has displayed throughout his career will also assist him going forward as he rehabs and prepares to continue his career next season. We are fortunate to have an outstanding medical team that will assist him during this process.”
Engstrom’s numbers (3.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg) may not be all that impressive but his presence gave Alabama some much-needed size along with fellow 7-footer Moussa Gueye. With Engstrom done the Crimson Tide are down to just Gueye and 6-8 forward Nick Jacobs in the paint. Freshman Devonta Pollard isn’t a banger per se, meaning that Alabama could rely even more on four-guard lineups.
Alabama’s had its issues in the rebounding department for much of the season, with their lack of interior depth being a reason why. The Crimson Tide currently rank 12th in the SEC in rebounding offense, as they corral 33.6 rebounds per game, and they’re 11th in the SEC in defensive rebounding percentage (65.2%).
In their 81-76 loss to Dayton on December 5, Alabama was out-rebounded 37-28 with the Flyers grabbing ten offensive rebounds. And the road won’t get any easier in the days leading up to the start of SEC play either as Alabama visits VCU (Grant’s old stomping grounds) on Saturday, and there’s also a trip to Texas Tech on the 19th.
With the likes of Trevor Releford, Trevor Lacey and Rodney Cooper on the perimeter the Crimson Tide have the guards needed to give teams fits in the SEC. But whether or not they return to the NCAA tournament will depend on how they address having no depth inside.
Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.
