TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Alabama men’s basketball team will host Norfolk State in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday night, but head coach Avery Johnson is hoping this game and any ensuing games will give his team a boost for next season, the 2019-20 campaign.

“Last year before the season, we played three exhibition games in Canada, and I thought that was very important for the development of our players and to jump-start our season. We’re sort of looking at the NIT the same way,” Johnson said. “It’s not just closure on this season, but it’s a jump start on next year, especially for our returning players that need more practice, live games, playing against good competition. So, one of the things I’m looking forward to with the NIT.”

As the second team left out of the NCAA Tournament, the Crimson Tide (18-15, 8-10 SEC) earned a No. 1 seed in the NIT and will face No. 8-seed Norfolk State on Wednesday, March 20, at 6 p.m. CT on ESPNU. And as Johnson has said quite a bit of late, he will take an opportunity that allows his young players, specifically freshman guard Kira Lewis, more time on the court.

On the outside looking in at the big dance, the NIT provides Alabama with a chance to do that.

“The expectation is to continue to take a step forward,” Johnson said. “Obviously, with this season, we were very disappointed with the season and the whole overall season. There were a lot of games that were winnable games where we weren’t successful. But we’ve just got to continue to check our preparation, our process. We feel we have the right people.

“We’ve just got to do a better job of problem-solving during the game. I’ve just really challenged the team to step up to a higher standard and a higher level of accountability.”

SCOUTING NORFOLK STATE

Norfolk State enters the NIT with an overall mark of 21-13 (14-2 MEAC) on the season. The Spartans claimed the MEAC regular-season title for just the second time in program history. As a team, NSU is outscoring teams by 4.8 points per game (73.9-69.1) and outrebounding the opposition by 0.3 rebounds per game (36.2-35.9). The Spartans top the MEAC in field goal percentage defense (40.6 percent), three-point field goal percentage (36.9) and blocks per game (4.4 bpg).

Alabama redshirt senior Riley Norris

Nic Thomas leads the team with 14.4 points per game while ranking second in threes made (80), three-point field goal percentage (.390) and free throw percentage (.807). Derrick Jamerson Jr. leads the nation in three-point field goal percentage (85-of-166, .512) and leads the team in free throw percentage (.909) while ranking second on the team with 10.3 ppg. Whitley leads the team in assists (3.9 apg). Jordan Butler is the team’s leader in rebounding (6.3 rpg).

“They’re an experienced team,” Johnson said. “They know what they’re doing. Really quality depth. Coach (Robert) Jones has done a nice job with their team. Obviously, they were one game away from making it to the NCAA Tournament, but we’re going to have to play really good basketball. Obviously, take care of the ball, which we haven’t done. Play a high level of defense and rebound the basketball and rebound and run.”

NORRIS NEARING MILESTONE

Graduate senior Riley Norris will become the program leader in career games played with an appearance in Wednesday night’s NIT opener. Should he see action -- and he likely will after starting the last two games for the Tide -- Norris will play in his 136th career game at Alabama, moving past Levi Randolph (135 games played) as the program leader in that category.

“I haven’t had much to smile about over the last couple of days, but that’s one of them,” Johnson said. “Just knowing that he’s going to play in his 136th game and break Levi’s record, that’s just amazing. It shows a lot of durability and stamina and the guy playing through pain. You can just always count on him. That’s been a real bright spot for us. So, we just want to congratulate Riley and his family.”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

*** Take advantage of 30% OFF our Annual VIP Pass for the first year ***