Shooting guard Collin Sexton, ranked No. 10 in the ESPN 100, committed to the University of Alabama. He chose the Crimson Tide over Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas, N.C. State and Oklahoma State. Here's a look at what he'll bring to Tuscaloosa.
Why he committed: "Alabama was one of the first schools to recruit me and they have been on me hard ever since they watched me play," he told ESPN.com. "They believed in my potential before anyone else. Coach Avery Johnson has a high energy level and has played and coached in the NBA. I feel he can help me develop my game."
What he brings: Sexton is one of the most dynamic scoring guards in the country both in transition or against a set defense. He plays with an endless energy level that is evident every time he steps out on the court. He's explosive in the transition game as he attacks the rim to make strong finishes. This past summer he won a gold medal with USA basketball and was named MVP of the FIBA U17 World Championships in Spain. He's an extremely confident player and he will shoot a 3-point shot on the break if he thinks he can make it. In the half-court game he breaks down a defense with his dribble-drive game as he loves the rhythm dribble pull up jumper. He puts enormous pressure on the defense because he is constantly probing to score and will make the assist when he sees the open man. When a defender gets too close to Sexton he will blow by them with his penetration and if a defender backs off he will make consecutive jumpers. Sexton has the talent to take over a game and put up big numbers if needed. For a prolific scorer and a feisty defender he must begin to understand when and how to make the assist to continue to grow his all-around game.
How he fits: Avery Johnson has a long and successful background in the NBA and he wants to play a faster game offensively and extend his point of pick-up but could not do so because he lacked the personnel. With Sexton expect Johnson to allow him to push it on the break and to play with the ball in his hands in ball screens and moving off the ball in many quick hitter situations and set plays. Defensively Sexton can pick up his man full court without a problem so the Alabama defense might be able to turnover their opponents at a high rate as the roster changes. Expect Avery Johnson to put the ball in the hands of Sexton and groom him as a lead guard and a go-to guy.
Who he reminds us of: Sexton is reminiscent of Kemba Walker who won a national championship at Connecticut in 2011 and led the Charlotte Bobcats in scoring last season. Both play with a competitive fire and have big shot ability and the confidence to back it up. They can produce big scoring nights but they also make the right play and put winning above their numbers. Neither player will back down from a challenge and both look to improve themselves each season.
How the class is shaping up: Sexton is the second highest rated recruit to commit to Alabama in the ESPN 100 (2007) era since JaMychal Green in 2008. The class has star power with Sexton and depth with a pair of Alabama natives in four star Alex Reese and three star Herb Jones. Big man Galin Smith gives them an athletic big man to round out the class. Alabama is expected to land another top 25 prospect in center John Petty. The combination of Petty and Sexton in the backcourt could be as talented as any in the SEC.