The emergence of sophomore forward Aiden Sherrell has been the driving force of Alabama’s seven-game winning streak.
In his last five games, Sherrell has averaged 15 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He has also been very efficient, shooting 63% from the field and 41.6% from three in that span.
The Detroit, Michigan native played a career high 39 minutes in Alabama’s double-overtime win over Arkansas, finishing with 26 points on 10/13 from the field and collecting 13 rebounds.
Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats had high praise for Sherrell postgame.
“His impact as a roller, finishing at the rim, making free throws and getting offensive rebounds was big,” Oats said. “He was great.”
Sherrell followed up arguably the best game in his college career with a 12-point, 10-rebound, four-block performance in a road win against LSU.
The lone downside of the night is that he only played 20 minutes after fouling out. Sherrell has been in foul trouble, which is defined as three-or-more personal fouls, in four of the team’s last seven games.
“His fouling out and only being able to play 20 minutes tonight really hurt us,” Oats said. “In those minutes, he had 4 blocks and a double-double. He was really doing some damage in there, so for him to foul out, it really hurt us.”
In his next outing against Mississippi State, it was much of the same for the Crimson Tide big man. Sherrell tallied 11 points and six rebounds, while also shooting 2/4 from three.
Sherrell was awarded the Hard Hat Award against Arkansas and LSU, and it’s imperative for any potential SEC Tournament or March Madness run that he continues to turn in outings like these for Nate Oats’ squad.
Alabama and Sherrell will look to extend their streak to eight on the road in Knoxville against No. 22 Tennessee. Tipoff is currently set for 5p.m. CT on ESPN.
