Alabama’s best hope of trying to catch Auburn for college basketball supremacy within the state borders resides in Mountain Brook.

Mountain Brook forward Trendon Watford has Alabama among his list of college choices, along with LSU, Memphis, Indiana and Duke.

Mountain Brook coach Bucky McMillan told AL.com Monday that Watford will have a signing ceremony on May 20 at Mountain Brook High.His decision will come five days after the NCAA Spring Signing period ends.

The 6-foot-9 Watford led Mountain Brook to three straight Class 7A state titles and averaged 23.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.5 blocks a game. He’s also the state’s two-time Mr. Basketball.

Just going by the facts, I’m going to analyze Watford’s final choices.

I don’t see Watford going to Duke because he’ll be another highly-touted freshman on the Blue Devils’ roster.

I’m going to eliminate Indiana because I don’t see the McDonald’s All-American suiting up for the Hoosiers and it’s too far away from home.

I’m taking LSU out of the race because of the NCAA cloud hanging over the head of Tigers coach Will Wade. Besides, several LSU players have already jumped ship and declared for the NBA Draft.

I consider Memphis the favorite over Alabama because of Watford’s ties to the city. Watford played on the AAU circuit for a team affiliated with Memphis assistant Mike Miller. I also read on the internet that Watford likes Memphis coach and former NBA star Penny Hardaway.

Watford has the size and skill to quickly turn Alabama into a legitimate NCAA Tournament team and SEC Championship contender under new coach Nate Oats.He reminds me of former Crimson Tide forward, Antonio McDyess, who played over a decade in the NBA.

Watford has the credentials to win college freshman of the year honors. He’s just what Alabama needs to grab headlines away from Auburn, coming off its first-ever Final Four appearance.

In the end, I predict Memphis will be too much for Alabama to overcome, especially with Hardaway. New coach Nate Oats didn’t arrive to Tuscaloosa until last month, which isn’t enough time to land a player the caliber of Watford.