The first game of the Andy Kennedy era at UAB is set to tip off tomorrow.
This is as unpredictable a season as the sport has ever seen, due to the COVID- 19 pandemic. Between cancelled games, missing players and back-to-back opponents, it is hard to predict what will transpire on the court.
UAB has an added unpredictability to it. Under new head coach Andy Kennedy, this team is quite different than what was on the court last year. Of the 13 scholarship players, eight of them are new to the program.
Despite this unpredictability, there is a lot of excitement for the Blazers this season. UAB was picked to finish fourth in Conference USA. Additionally, the Blazers scored several high-profile players in the offseason.
UL-Monroe grad transfer Michael Ertel is one of those new players to watch. The guard led the War Hawks in points, steals and assists and was named second team All-SunBelt last season.
With these new faces on the court, the future looks bright for UAB.
Nov. 25th vs Alcorn State
UAB tips off the season against Alabama State at 2:30 p.m. at Bartow Arena.
This is the eighth meeting between the Blazers and the Braves. The last meeting between the two was a 76-49 win in 2018.
Alcorn State is rebuilding under new head coach Landon Bussie. They are expected to be a middle of the pack team within the SWAC with a predicted finish of fifth.
Senior guard Troymain Crosby is the Alcorn State player to watch. Crosby led the tram in points last season. If the Braves get started, it’s going to be powered by the performance of this first-team all-SWAC prediction.
Expect UAB to open with a strong win. The Braves have not beat a Division One opponent in the nonconference since 2017. And there is little reason to expect they will now.
The game will be available for streaming on CUSA.tv and on the radio at WJOX 100.5 in Birmingham.
Nov. 27th vs. Southeastern Louisiana
On Saturday, the Blazers return to the court against Southeastern Louisiana at 2 p.m. in Bartow Arena.
This is the first meeting between the two programs.
The Lions struggled in head coach David Kiefer’s first season, and those struggles seem likely to continue in his second year. They were picked to finish 11th in a conference of 13.
UAB should have little issue putting away the Lions.
The game will be streaming on CUSA. tv and on the radio on WJOX 100.5 in Birmingham.
