Alabama's men's basketball program needs to be heard from.
It doesn't need to be an overwhelming presence since the cash cow and the most passionate interest will always be with football.
The Tide's rich football history includes dominant coaching personality Bear Bryant. And since the legendary Bryant roamed the sidelines, Alabama has gone through coaches who have made their presence felt in their own way (Ray Perkins, Bill Curry and Gene Stallings come to mind).
But since Bryant retired, it can be argued that no one has had as intimidating a presence as current football coach Nick Saban.
Finding the delicate balance in the athletic department, and within the state, with someone like Saban is a fine line.
The basketball coach needs to win games, ensure that his team plays hard and is as approachable as possible. But he also has to understand that he won't be No. 1.
"You don't have to be Bruce Pearl, but I do think you have to be accessible,'' said former Alabama coach Wimp Sanderson, of the flamboyant Tennessee coach who can take over a room from the moment he enters it. "But the media in the state of Alabama want to talk to you. This has to be one of his strengths, maybe his [main] strength."
Sanderson is referring to new Tide basketball coach Anthony Grant.
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