ANGELES — During Nate Oats’ five-year tenure, the Crimson Tide will make its third trip to the Sweet 16 when it plays No. 1 seed North Carolina on Thursday. With the exception of 2020, when COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the game, Alabama has advanced to the NCAA Tournament each of the last four seasons under Oats’ leadership. For a program that has just twice made it to the Big Dance in the 13 years prior to Oats taking over, it has seen a spectacular ascent.
That kind of stability would be ideal for most collegiate programs, but Oats has bigger plans for the Tide.
Oats stated, “We still haven’t reached a Final Four.” “That seems like the next step to me.”
Alabama’s potent offense is largely to blame for the team’s imminent second-ever Elite Eight berth in program history. According to KenPom.com, the Crimson Tide are the third-fastest team in the country in terms of possession average (14.5 seconds) and scoring (90.7 points per game). Alabama is on track to become the highest-scoring SEC team since Kentucky’s national championship team in 1995–96. Alabama has made the third-most 3-pointers in the nation.
Unfortunately for Alabama, many of their astronomical point totals have been a necessity. The Crimson Tide allow 80.9 points per game, good enough for the No. 345 scoring defense in the country. Among all Power Six teams, only DePaul has been worse. Alabama is allowing the second-most points (81.7 ppg) of any tournament team in the last 25 years.
The Tide have been winning fast-paced shootouts at home, but their most recent game at Grand Canyon was the exact opposite. Despite their rather poor offensive performance, Alabama’s inspired defense—which Oats referred to as the team’s best in months—enabled them to grind out a 72-61 victory over the Lopes.
Oats stated on Wednesday, “I told them we don’t have to forget about offensive when we play excellent defense.” “You are able to combine both. I’ve seen folks equate the Grand Canyon game to a football or rugby match. Things became a bit physical and harsh. I like how our players matched their physicality, persevered, didn’t give up, and had a lot of spirit. However, it would be good if our offensive unit handled the ball and made baskets as we have done for the remainder of the campaign.”
Oats knows his team will need an inspired effort on both ends of the floor to take down North Carolina. The Tar Heels earned a No. 1 seed on the back of the No. 6 scoring offense in the country. They also rank No. 21 in the country in defensive efficiency
“To have a shot to win this game, we’re going to need an offense that clicks like the best offense in the nation,” Oats stated. We’ve now established that. We’re trying to find a way to assault them by devoting a bit more effort to our offensive side. These days, it’s difficult to know how to attack them. Their rim protection is excellent. They have competent security. They have knowledgeable players. They are excellent. However, we are also dedicating some attention to the offensive end of the ball.”
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