Alabama Basketball 2024-25 Opponent Preview: Robert Morris Colonials
As Alabama basketball enters the 2024-25 season, their non-conference schedule includes several intriguing matchups designed to challenge and prepare the Crimson Tide for their SEC slate. One such matchup is against the Robert Morris Colonials, a team that will be looking to prove itself against a major powerhouse like Alabama. While the Colonials may not be as well-known or widely regarded as some other teams in Alabama’s non-conference schedule, their upcoming game against the Tide will provide an opportunity for fans, analysts, and players alike to assess how the Colonials stack up against top-tier competition.
In this preview, we will take a closer look at the Robert Morris Colonials as an opponent, analyzing their roster, recent history, and what Alabama fans can expect from the game. From their team strengths to individual players to watch, this preview will explore how the Colonials fit into Alabama’s broader non-conference schedule and what their matchup with the Tide could look like.
1. Overview of Robert Morris Colonials Basketball Program
The Robert Morris Colonials, based in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, are a NCAA Division I basketball program that competes in the Horizon League, one of the more competitive mid-major conferences in college basketball. Over the years, Robert Morris has had a strong tradition in the league, with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and several successful seasons. However, in recent years, the Colonials have been rebuilding their roster and program under head coach Andy Toole.
Since moving to the Horizon League in 2020, Robert Morris has been looking to regain its former success and consistency. With a mix of talented upperclassmen and promising underclassmen, the Colonials have the potential to pull off an upset against bigger programs. They have consistently competed at a high level within their conference and will bring an aggressive, scrappy style of basketball to any matchup, including their game against Alabama.
2. Head Coach Andy Toole and His Philosophy
Andy Toole has been the head coach at Robert Morris since 2009 and has overseen a period of both growth and challenges for the program. Toole is known for his strong defensive philosophy and his ability to develop players who buy into a team-first approach. Under his leadership, Robert Morris has been a consistent performer in the NEC (Northeast Conference) and now in the Horizon League, although the program has been in the midst of a rebuilding phase following the transition to the Horizon League.
Toole’s teams are typically built on tough defense, high-energy play, and effective ball movement on offense. He emphasizes defense-first principles and often has his players focus on stopping the opposing team’s best player, forcing turnovers, and contesting every shot. As the Colonials come into the 2024-25 season, Toole will look to continue refining his system and build on a solid foundation of defense, rebounding, and transition play.
While Robert Morris may not have the same level of raw talent and depth as Alabama, Toole will make sure that his team is prepared to give the Crimson Tide a competitive game, emphasizing discipline and effort on both ends of the court.
3. Key Players to Watch for Robert Morris
One of the exciting aspects of any mid-major matchup against a high-profile program like Alabama is the potential for individual players to make their mark. Robert Morris features a few players who could be pivotal in their contest against the Crimson Tide. Let’s take a look at some of the key players to watch for the Colonials in 2024-25:
1. Kam Farris – Senior Guard
Kam Farris is one of Robert Morris’ standout players heading into the 2024-25 season. The senior guard has been a key contributor for the Colonials over the past few seasons and will once again be looked upon as one of the team’s primary offensive and defensive leaders. Farris is known for his ability to score in a variety of ways, including driving to the basket and knocking down perimeter shots. His versatility and experience make him one of the most dangerous players on the court for Robert Morris.
As a senior, Farris has a lot of leadership experience and will be expected to step up in big moments during the game against Alabama. He can be a primary ball handler and will likely be tasked with running the offense while also guarding some of Alabama’s best perimeter players. Farris will need to play a key role in both offense and defense if the Colonials hope to challenge Alabama in this matchup.
2. Enoch Cheeks – Junior Forward
Enoch Cheeks is another player to watch for Robert Morris. The junior forward was one of the team’s top performers in the 2023-24 season and will be relied upon to provide a scoring and rebounding presence in the paint. Standing at 6’6″, Cheeks has the athleticism to compete with high-level programs like Alabama, and he can make an impact on both ends of the floor. His ability to crash the boards and score in transition will be critical for the Colonials in their game against the Crimson Tide.
Cheeks also brings versatility, as he can stretch the floor with his outside shooting and play both inside and on the perimeter. His defense will be crucial as well, as he will likely be matched up against Alabama’s dynamic forwards and wings. If Cheeks can provide solid rebounding and scoring while also defending efficiently, he could make the game more competitive for Robert Morris.
3. Jalen Hawkins – Sophomore Guard
Jalen Hawkins is a player to keep an eye on in the backcourt for Robert Morris. A sophomore guard, Hawkins will look to make a bigger impact this season after contributing as a freshman. Hawkins has shown flashes of being a dynamic scorer, particularly in transition, and his speed and quickness give him the ability to attack the basket or pull up for jumpers.
Hawkins will need to be aggressive against Alabama’s defense, looking to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to knock down outside shots, make plays in the open court, and facilitate for others will be key in keeping Robert Morris competitive in the game. His defense will also be important, as he may be tasked with guarding Alabama’s fast, athletic backcourt players.
4. Matt Mayers – Freshman Forward
Matt Mayers is an intriguing player for Robert Morris, as he’s one of the team’s top incoming freshmen. Standing at 6’8″, Mayers has the size and skill to make an immediate impact, particularly in the frontcourt. Known for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, Mayers could be a key piece for the Colonials in the paint, both offensively and defensively. He’ll need to use his physicality and basketball IQ to match up with Alabama’s skilled forwards and big men.
Mayers’ ability to impact the game as a freshman could be crucial for Robert Morris, especially in terms of providing depth and energy off the bench. His defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor as a forward could help Robert Morris stay competitive in the game against the Crimson Tide.
4. Robert Morris’ Team Strengths and Style of Play
Robert Morris has long been known for its defense-first mentality, and that’s not expected to change under Andy Toole’s leadership in 2024-25. The Colonials are likely to prioritize stopping Alabama’s high-powered offense, trying to disrupt the flow of the game by forcing turnovers and contesting shots. Look for Robert Morris to play aggressive man-to-man defense, and occasionally switch to a zone defense, to try to slow down Alabama’s fast-paced offensive attack.
On offense, Robert Morris tends to rely on balanced scoring, with a focus on getting quality shots in the halfcourt and pushing the ball in transition. The Colonials will likely try to use their size and length in the frontcourt to challenge Alabama’s bigger players, and they will look for open shooting opportunities on the perimeter to exploit any defensive lapses by the Tide.
While Robert Morris is not expected to have the same level of individual talent as Alabama, their team-oriented, hard-nosed style of play will help keep them competitive, and they will surely come into the game with a chip on their shoulder. The Colonials will also need to be disciplined on offense and avoid turnovers, as Alabama is known for capitalizing on mistakes and scoring off of turnovers.
5. What Alabama Can Expect from Robert Morris
When Alabama faces Robert Morris, the Tide can expect a competitive, scrappy opponent that will challenge them in every facet of the game. While Robert Morris may not have the same level of star power, they possess a disciplined team capable of keeping the game close with strong defense, efficient rebounding, and smart offensive execution.
For Alabama, the key will be to match Robert Morris’ intensity and not underestimate the Colonials, especially with their strong defensive game. Alabama should look to use their superior athleticism, depth, and talent to break down Robert Morris’ defense, but they’ll also need to ensure they don’t allow the Colonials to control the tempo of the game.
This will be a game where Alabama’s depth and talent will be tested, and it offers an opportunity to see how they handle a tough, gritty opponent before heading into more challenging SEC matchups.