Former Alabama Center Leon Douglas Reflects on C.M. Newton

C.M. Newton was not only a pioneer of Alabama basketball, but to the entire college basketball community and his passing was heartbreaking to those who were thankful to know him and play for him.

Newton took chances and went against the grain and made sure everyone regardless of race had the opportunity to play the game of college basketball on a high level and gain an education in a society that at the time wasn't allowing those things to occur.

Leon Douglas played four seasons under C.M. Newton from 1972-1976 and was named All-SEC all four seasons. His success at Alabama took the 6-10 center to the NBA Draft where he was drafted fourth overall to the Detroit Pistons and played there and for the Kansas City Kings. He also coached at Tuskegee and Stillman College.

Douglas joined The Game with Ryan Fowler to discuss how he would describe Coach Newton as a coach and a overall person, reason why he choose to come to Alabama and wanted to leave a legacy, his relationship with Paul "Bear" Bryant, and his thoughts on Avery Johnson.

For more of Douglas conversation about C.M. Newton, make sure you watch the video above the article. Don't miss The Game with Ryan Fowler weekday afternoons from 2-6 p.m. for the latest surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide.