The Alabama men’s basketball program is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation, and is a team that’s quicky earning national recognition and respect. With the win over Mississippi State on the road last night, the Crimson Tide locked up the 2020-2021 SEC regular season title.
Head coach Nate Oats is only in his second season with the program, but is leading them to be serious contenders in March. In fact, without having coached a full season yet, with the 2019-2020 postseason being canceled due to the pandemic and 2020-2021 still ongoing, he has already earned a contract extension through the 2027 season with a sizeable raise.
Following the title-clinching win over Mississippi State, the team was waiting for their coach in the locker room with water bottles in hand.
When he came walking through the hallway, his wife, Crystal Oats, caught the celebration on camera.
Oats shared his excitement with the team, but hugged his family first.
This celebration was nearly 20 years in the making, as the Crimson Tide’s most recent SEC regular season title came in 2002.
Another view of the celebration. These guys deserve it with all their hard work. Love the pure joy on their faces. More work to do. ❤️🐘🏀 pic.twitter.com/YYbMAeNFUU
— Crystal Oats (@cmoats74) February 28, 2021