This feels ridiculous to even have to write, but someone has to say it: give Nate Oats a break.
For real, give him a chance. It will take TIME to rebuild a program that has been underperforming for years, long before Oats’ arrival in Tuscaloosa.
Sure, making it to the NCAA tournament would have been nice to witness, but it’s not Oats’ fault. Alabama suffered many injuries throughout the entire season, and at very unfortunate times at that.
And there were many moments throughout the season that showcased a team that’s on the brink of a breakthrough. A breakthrough that Alabama fans have hoped for, for years.
Whether it’s the 83-64 win at home over Auburn, a road OT win over Georgia, or even an impressive win over LSU, we witnessed this Alabama team make their mark.
Sure, they lost games many thought were a “given” but they also won games people thought they had no chance to win.
Nate Oats is not only rebuilding a team, he’s rebuilding an atmosphere to a program that has been somewhat dead for years.
Oats knew when he took the job, it wasn’t just about putting the best players on the court, it was also creating an energy and atmosphere that would help fill an out-dated Coleman Coliseum.
When you see the culture at Alabama, you understand one thing: excellence is expected. Football, softball, gymnastics, tennis, golf, swimming, wheelchair basketball, track and field, and so on, are winning championships, but it took time.
Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007. 2 years later, he helped lead a team to a National Championship for the first time since 1992. Saban rebuilt a program that was desperate for change and excitement.
The same thing is happening with basketball. This program is desperate for a chance. A chance to be elite again. After all, basketball hasn’t won a national championship… ever. The best shot they’ve had in the NCAA tournament was the 2003-2004 season under Mark Gottfried when they made it to the Elite Eight.
Nate Oats knows what it takes to make it to the NCAA tournament. He led the Buffalo Bulls to 3 NCAA tournament appearances in the past 4 years.
He can do the same for Alabama, but it will take time and patience.
Oats has the ability and passion to turn this team around. This team has talent, and if they would’ve stayed healthy all season, this team would be NCAA tournament bound, no doubt about it.
Just wait and see. Give Nate Oats some time. And don’t call for his firing when his first season isn’t even over yet.
In Saban’s first season at Alabama, the Tide went 7-6, including a loss to 21-14 loss at home to Louisiana Monroe. And aren’t you glad they didn’t fire Saban after his first season?
So give Nate Oats the grace he deserves. It’ll take more than one season (plagued with injuries) to turn this program around, and I think Nate Oats is the right guy for the job.