Alabama started the season 7-0, but then lost to Georgetown and Dayton.

The primary reason for their struggles is their lack of perimeter shooting and offensive options. 

Opposing defenses are able to sag into the paint and clog the lanes for Tony Mitchell and JaMychal Green. Alabama shoots only 26.7 percent from beyond the arc.

Alabama was hoping freshmen Trevor Lacey and Levi Randolph would give the perimeter offense a boost.

Trevor Lacey was recruited to Alabama as a shooting guard, but he has also been backing up Trevor Releford at point guard.

"That says a mouthful that I'm comfortable with him running our team," Alabama coach Anthony Grant said. "That's a compliment to him."

"His defense has really stood out," sophomore shooting guard Charles Hankerson said. "That's what's getting him on the court, because Coach Grant is a defensive coach. If you don't play defense, you're not going to play, not matter how many points you're scoring. He's definitely improved, and he's improving every day."

Lacey averaged 31.4 points per game as a senior in high school.

"I knew he was a big-time scorer," Releford said. "That was his M.O. ... He's got a lot of stuff. He can shoot from the outside, he can drive. He has different finishes. He's athletic, too. He's not really showing it right now, but ... he can play above the rim."

Lacey has been comfortable coming off the bench.

"That's the thing that sets him apart," Releford said. "Anybody else who came in with his resume would probably want to leave or been upset. He comes to practice every day smiling, happy. He's just ready to play and keep learning. ...

"He's not like most big-time players coming in. He's real down to earth."