Gottfried says Tide not lacking in confidence

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama men's basketball coach Mark Gottfried said Friday that he did not detect any "crisis of confidence" among Crimson Tide players despite the team's 0-3 start in Southeastern Conference play.

Gottfried made the comments as he previewed the Crimson Tide's Saturday afternoon home game against Mississippi State.

"I don't think anybody's confidence is down," Gottfried said. "We got back (from Georgia after winter weather altered travel plans) yesterday at 2:30 (p.m.) and we were on the floor at six o'clock and the guys were great. We had a very good practice."

Crimson Tide players Richard Hendrix and Brandon Hollinger had expressed concern about the team's confidence after the Tide's loss at Georgia.

"I think when you talk to guys immediately after a game like that, the emotions of the game are still with them," Gottfried said.

"We all need to tighten up. We can all play better and we can all coach better. We have some challenges with this team, but we need to be better than our problems."

Mississippi State, unlike Alabama, is one of the league's hottest teams. The Bulldogs have won six straight games overall and are 3-0 in SEC play.