Summary

In this episode of the Crimson Chronicles podcast, hosts Rick Morton and Tommy Ford delve into the rich history of Alabama basketball with guest Greg Polinsky. They explore Polinsky's journey from Northern Arizona to Alabama, his experiences coaching under Wimp Sanderson, and the memorable players and recruiting stories from the late 80s. The conversation also touches on the evolution of coaching styles, the current state of SEC basketball, and the impact of NIL on recruiting. Polinsky shares anecdotes that highlight the passion and dedication of players and coaches alike, making for an engaging discussion about the legacy of Alabama basketball.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alabama Basketball History

03:59 Greg Polinsky's Journey in Coaching

11:58 The Rise of Alabama Basketball in the Late 80s

20:04 Wimp Sanderson's Coaching Philosophy

28:11 Recruiting Stories and Experiences

32:29 A Close Call in Houston

34:58 The Ray Allen Recruitment Miss

39:19 Transitioning to Scouting and Player Personnel

44:37 Reflections on Coaching and Scouting Experiences

47:30 The Evolution of College Basketball

52:49 Comparing Coaching Styles: Then and Now

In this episode of the Crimson Chronicles podcast, host Rick Morton and Tommy Ford engage with Melvin Cheatum, a legendary Alabama basketball player, discussing his journey from high school to college and professional basketball. They explore the dynamics of team chemistry, memorable moments in Alabama basketball history, and the life lessons learned through sports. Cheatum reflects on the importance of accountability, leadership, and the bonds formed with teammates, as well as the excitement of March Madness and the legacy of Alabama basketball.00:00Introduction to Crimson Chronicles and Melvin Cheatham03:11Melvin Cheatham's Early Life and High School Career05:30Recruitment Journey to Alabama07:18Transitioning to College Basketball08:59Coach Sanderson's Influence and Coaching Style11:56Freshman Year Challenges and Team Dynamics14:35The Importance of Team Chemistry17:35Reflections on the SEC and College Basketball Landscape20:32Looking Ahead: Future Seasons and Expectations26:40Building a Competitive Team31:20Learning to Win33:47Defining Moments in Team Chemistry34:10Unexpected Highlights of the Season37:19The Impact of Coaching Decisions40:58Defensive Strategies Against High-Scoring Teams46:18Looking Ahead: Aspirations and Expectations52:00Reflecting on Past Regrets and Game Plans54:18Memorable Moments from the 1991 Season57:04The Bonds of Brotherhood in Basketball59:21Navigating Changes in College Athletics01:00:08Experiences of Playing Basketball in Europe01:05:02Life Lessons Learned from International Play01:06:00Life After Basketball: Giving Back to the Community

n this episode of the Crimson Chronicles podcast, hosts Rick Morton and Tommy Ford engage with former Alabama basketball coach Mark Gottfried. They explore Gottfried's journey from his early playing days with Athletes in Action to his impactful coaching career at UCLA and Alabama. The conversation delves into his mentorship under John Wooden, the challenges of his first season at Alabama, and the significance of building a strong recruiting class. Gottfried shares memorable stories from his coaching experiences, including the remarkable journey of Antoine Petway, and reflects on the lasting impact of basketball on his life and relationships. The episode concludes with Gottfried discussing his current endeavors in leadership and coaching.00:00 Introduction to Crimson Tide Basketball History01:14 Mark Gottfried's Early Career and Athletes in Action05:07 Coaching Journey at UCLA and Mentorship from John Wooden11:02 Transitioning Back to Alabama: The Coaching Process15:54 Building the Tide Pride Program and Early Challenges22:00 Recruiting Strategies and Developing Young Talent25:02 The Rise of Alabama Basketball26:18 The NIT Experience and Tournament Journey27:43 Turning Point: The Elite Eight Run32:21 Antoine Pettway: From Walk-On to Star36:40 Life Lessons from Basketball38:58 Reunion Reflections and Personal Growth44:05 Inspiring Future Leaders

In this episode of the Crimson Chronicles podcast, hosts Rick Morton and Tommy Ford sit down with former Alabama basketball player Mark Gottfried. They discuss Gottfried's early life in Mobile, his recruitment journey, and the impact of his redshirt year on his development. The conversation highlights the historic 1986-87 Alabama basketball season, the importance of experience and competition in college sports, and the evolution of college basketball with the introduction of transfer rules and NIL. Gottfried shares fond memories of playing for coach Wimp Sanderson and reflects on the Harbaugh family connection, providing a unique perspective on his basketball journey.

00:00 Introduction to Crimson Tide Basketball History

02:11 Mark Gottfried's Early Life and Influences

05:41 Recruitment Journey to Alabama

08:24 The Impact of Sitting Out a Year

10:19 The 1986-87 Season Overview

12:21 Memorable Moments and Key Games16:02The Importance of Veteran Leadership

19:00 Changes in College Basketball Dynamics

22:00 The Role of College Coaches in Student Development

23:55 The Importance of Perseverance in Sports

26:12 Experiences Playing for Coach Wimp Sanderson

29:50 The Impact of Competition on Player Development

31:38 Family Ties: The Harbaugh Connection

33:37 Personal Insights and Fun Facts About Mark Gottfried

In this episode of the Crimson Chronicles podcast, host Rick Morton and co-host Tommy Ford welcome Alabama basketball legend TR Dunn. They discuss Dunn's early years in Birmingham, his recruitment to Alabama, and his transition to college basketball. The conversation highlights Dunn's glory days at Alabama, his transition to the NBA, and his defensive skills that earned him a spot on the NBA's All Defensive Team. Dunn shares memorable experiences playing against NBA legends and reflects on his coaching career, the evolution of the game, and his life after basketball.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Crimson Chronicles Podcast

02:47 The Early Years of TR Dunn

08:00 High School Glory and State Championships

12:25 Choosing Alabama: The Recruitment Process

18:39 Transitioning to College Basketball

20:18 Memorable Games and Team Achievements

29:57 Making the Leap to the NBA

34:39 Defensive Skills and Career Highlights

40:40 Defensive Strategies in Basketball

42:47 Memorable NBA Players and Their Impact

52:59 Evolution of Coaching and Game Style

57:35 Growth of Women's Basketball and the WNBA

01:00:40 Transitioning from Player to Coach

01:04:21 Reflecting on a Basketball Career

01:09:36 Crimson Chronicles Outro.mp4

In this episode of the Crimson Chronicles, hosts Rick Morton and Tommy Ford welcome basketball legend Mike Nordholz, who shares his journey from high school basketball in Georgia to becoming a record-setting player at the University of Alabama. The conversation covers his recruitment process, experiences playing in Foster Auditorium, interactions with football players, and the impact of coaching staff during his time. Mike reflects on his historic 50-point game, the challenges faced during his college career, and the significance of the opening of Memorial Coliseum. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching and a successful career in the sporting goods industry, concluding with his thoughts on the legacy of Alabama basketball.

00:00 Welcome Back to Crimson Chronicles

00:50 Introducing Mike Nordholz: A Basketball Legend

02:41 The Recruitment Journey to Alabama

06:34 Foster Auditorium: A Unique Basketball Experience

09:24 Interactions Between Football and Basketball Players

13:26 Coaching Staff and Their Impact

16:06 The 50-Point Game: A Historic Achievement

18:47 Career Overview: Seasons and Challenges

22:16 Coaching Changes and Player Impact

23:10 The 50-Point Game Record

24:53 Memories of Memorial Coliseum

29:48 Life After Basketball: A New Career

In the latest episode of the Crimson Chronicles Podcast, host Rick Morton and co-host Tommy Ford continue their deep dive into the life and career of legendary coach Wimp Sanderson. This part of the conversation focuses on Sanderson's tenure as head coach at the University of Alabama, sharing stories about his recruitment strategies, his interactions with Coach Bear Bryant, and his experience handling the pressures and criticisms of the role. Coach Sanderson also reminisces about notable games, memorable recruiting adventures, and his enduring legacy in Alabama basketball. Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:44 Early Coaching Years and Challenges 03:11 Recruitment Strategies and Stories 04:44 Memorable Moments and Anecdotes 09:43 Transition to Head Coach 22:40 Plaid Jackets and Popularity 27:01 Final Reflections and Legacy

Crimson Chronicles Podcast S2 E1: Inside Crimson Tide Basketball with Coach Wimp Sanderson

Welcome to Season 2 of the Crimson Chronicles Podcast! Join hosts Rick Morton and Tommy as they embark on an exciting journey into the rich history and tradition of Crimson Tide basketball. In this episode, they are joined by legendary Alabama basketball coach Wimp Sanderson. Hear Coach Sanderson's personal stories, from his early days growing up in Florence, Alabama, to his tenure as head coach at the University of Alabama. The episode covers memorable moments, pivotal games, and key players in Alabama basketball history, including the recruitment of the first black player, Wendell Hudson. Don't miss this fascinating discussion that delves deep into the legacy of Crimson Tide basketball!

00:00 Welcome to Season Two of Crimson Chronicles

01:02 Introducing Wimp Sanderson: A Legend in Alabama Basketball

02:55 Early Life and Challenges: Growing Up in Florence

04:48 Coaching Beginnings: From High School to Alabama

07:27 Memorable Moments and Stories from the Court

11:56 The Foster Auditorium Era: Basketball in the Shadow of Football

17:44 Opening Coleman Coliseum: A New Chapter in Alabama Basketball

18:53 Reflecting on Pete Maravich's Legendary Performance

20:52 Recruiting Wendell Hudson: Breaking Barriers

23:41 The Golden Era of Alabama Basketball

26:42 Memorable Road Trips and Rivalries

32:13 The Return of the SEC Tournament

36:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions