The Alabama men’s basketball team earned a nationally ranked 2011 recruiting class. The class is ranked fifth according to rivals.com and No. 13 according to ESPN.com.

This year’s class includes Trevor Lacey, Levi Randolph, Nick Jacobs, Rodney Cooper, Moussa Gueye and Retin Ojomoh.

Lacey, a two-time winner of Alabama’s Mr. Basketball award, signed his National Letter of Intent with the Crimson Tide this summer. A 6’3, 190-pound shooting guard, Lacey is a fivestar recruit according to rivals. com and is ranked sixth at his position and 24th overall.

Randolph was the 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year in Alabama. He is a wingman that can play all three guard positions.

Jacobs averaged a double-double as a senior in high school. At 6’8, 255 pounds, he is a back-to-the-basket player that should help the Tide inside.

Cooper is a versatile perimeter player that gives opponents fits with his defensive play. He is a knock down three-point shooter that will help the Tide stretch the floor.

Gueye is a 7’0 center from Africa with good ball skills and the ability to knock down 12-foot jumpers. His length also makes him a force on the defensive end.

Ojomoh is a 6’1 guard from Europe that played on the Belgium U20 National Team.

Another high note for the Crimson Tide is that proven veterans from last year’s NIT Championship game, Trevor Releford, Tony Mitchell and JaMychal Green, all return for the Tide in 2011. The 2011-2012 team will feature multi-talented players eager to play in head coach Anthony Grant’s up-tempo system.

With this year’s class and the returning talent, look for the Tide to contend for the Southeastern Conference championship title and a berth in the NCAA tournament bid.