Thoughts on Nate Oats

[TarHeelNation11]

Meant to start this thread over the weekend. I apologize if this has been discussed already, but what are y'all's thoughts on Nate Oats and how he's got that Alabama program humming this year?

I haven't watched a ton of ball this year but the times I have seen them, his team shoots really well. Plus, I love that he called Coach K to task earlier in the season.

Thoughts? Could he be a rising star? Wikipedia says he's only 46.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Honestly I haven't watched much Bama bball, but I do like his demeanor and their style of play! Can't help but feel fondly about anyone who calls out ratty!

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

Seems like a great hire, getting them into the top 10 is nothing to scoff at.

Granted, with UK being down, there's really nothing else of value in the SEC I guess so that opens up opportunity. But they're making the most of it at Bama.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Seems like a great hire, getting them into the top 10 is nothing to scoff at.

Granted, with UK being down, there's really nothing else of value in the SEC I guess so that opens up opportunity. But they're making the most of it at Bama.

Sadly, the SEC is better than the ACC this year.

 

[dadika13]

Oats has them playing really well and he finally figured out how to get Petty playing to a high level. They also play fast and rebound the hell out of the ball, which is very UNC-like. He also won 2 NCAA games in his last 2 seasons at Buffalo, which is a feat in itself.

My one concern would be that he didn't recruit Bama's top guys right now. I'd like to see him show he can get a 5 star kid or two there but if we're talking Roy successor, he should absolutely be on that initial list of people we think about.

 

[Bubspub88]

I need to see a little more consistency. He is at a program where no one cares about basketball, this year will probably give him a 5 year cushion. I did hear a guy on radio (one of the fox sports shows) saying Oates has been considered for higher profile jobs in past but he didn't help himself in interviews. No further details were given.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I need to see a little more consistency. He is at a program where no one cares about basketball, this year will probably give him a 5 year cushion. I did hear a guy on radio (one of the fox sports shows) saying Oates has been considered for higher profile jobs in past but he didn't help himself in interviews. No further details were given.

I'd push back a little that no one cares about basketball there. Sure, your average Alabama football fan probably does not, but SEC schools have a made a conscientious effort to pour some of the SECN money into basketball to raise the prestige of that sport (which then provides more TV inventory for the conference).

The days of the SEC sucking at basketball are over. That league's prowess will continue to rise. Bama and UGA and Tennessee can only build so many football cathedrals. Some of the excess money is finding its way to basketball.

 

[dadika13]

I'd push back a little that no one cares about basketball there. Sure, your average Alabama football fan probably does not, but SEC schools have a made a conscientious effort to pour some of the SECN money into basketball to raise the prestige of that sport (which then provides more TV inventory for the conference).

The days of the SEC sucking at basketball are over. That league's prowess will continue to rise. Bama and UGA and Tennessee can only build so many football cathedrals. Some of the excess money is finding its way to basketball.

I have a family member that played in the Big Ten, and the same is happening in that conference with basketball.

 

[dadika13]

I need to see a little more consistency. He is at a program where no one cares about basketball, this year will probably give him a 5 year cushion. I did hear a guy on radio (one of the fox sports shows) saying Oates has been considered for higher profile jobs in past but he didn't help himself in interviews. No further details were given.

Not saying it's not true - but it's not like he was a hot coach on the Mark Few level of mid major programs.

Alabama seems to be the level of school most successful mid major coaches go to next. Brad Underwood to Illinois, Scott Drew to Baylor before Baylor was a powerhouse. You don't usually see mid major guys go to top tier programs right away.

Drew and Oats next step would be a program like ours. I'd love if we interview both when the time comes.

 

[alabamaheel]

I feel like I can give a little intel here. I’ve lived in north Alabama for 16 years now and I’m telling you I didn’t know what a football was til I arrived. I thought I did. LOL. They are very excited about basketball now, as they should be.
He’s a likable guy with great work ethic. I’ve met him and he’s recruited a few of our players. He has a kid coming in next year in JD Davidson that can really go. 5 star.
I don’t pull for bama or auburn so I feel like I can give an unbiased opinion anyway. I would take him in a heartbeat as far as his personal life but his on the court life is stellar also. Just not enough time in the pan yet. Does that make sense??

 

[dadika13]

I feel like I can give a little intel here. I’ve lived in north Alabama for 16 years now and I’m telling you I didn’t know what a football was til I arrived. I thought I did. LOL. They are very excited about basketball now, as they should be.
He’s a likable guy with great work ethic. I’ve met him and he’s recruited a few of our players. He has a kid coming in next year in JD Davidson that can really go. 5 star.
I don’t pull for bama or auburn so I feel like I can give an unbiased opinion anyway. I would take him in a heartbeat as far as his personal life but his on the court life is stellar also. Just not enough time in the pan yet. Does that make sense??

Oh you're right, forgot JD Davidson signed there. Ok, well, good to see he can sign 5 stars.

Appreciate the hometown intel, sounds like a guy we should root for.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

For those that do not know, his wife has endured a long battle with cancer. He wanted to stop coaching to tend to her but she convinced him to keep coaching.

I'm not sure her status. I hope it got better.

 

[ticket2ride04]

Love that he has already taken on K. He has my vote. Plus he seems to be clean unlike Pearl and Auburn.

 

[gunslingerdick]

Love that he has already taken on K. He has my vote. Plus he seems to be clean unlike Pearl and Auburn.

 

[midline]

The guy can win basketball games. And can recruit even while being at a school where basketball will always be in the large shadow of the football program. Has to be seriously considered when Roy hangs it up

 

[NorCalTarheel]

Really like this guy and his entire approach. I saw an interview where he said he cuts his guys loose on offense but that if the didn't buy in and go 100% on defense and rebounding, they wouldn't be on the floor to play offense.

 

[TarHeelMark]

Dude just got an extension thru 2027.

 

[gary-7]

Meant to start this thread over the weekend. I apologize if this has been discussed already, but what are y'all's thoughts on Nate Oats and how he's got that Alabama program humming this year?

I haven't watched a ton of ball this year but the times I have seen them, his team shoots really well. Plus, I love that he called Coach K to task earlier in the season.

Thoughts? Could he be a rising star? Wikipedia says he's only 46.

First, why do we care? and second. he coaches a shortcut system that lives and dies by the 3, with a record inflated by exploiting a particularly weak SEC this season.

 

[gary-7]

Love that he has already taken on K. He has my vote. Plus he seems to be clean unlike Pearl and Auburn.

Oh good Lord. LMFAO.

 

[ticket2ride04]

Oh good Lord. LMFAO.

Do you have some evidence to suggest I’m wrong?

 

[bobcrane14]

Oats is spectacular! He signed an extension today through 2027. His Buffalo team crushed Arizona in the NCAA tournament. He is a better coach today than Coach Williams or Krzyzewski.

 

[dtodd4475]

I'd push back a little that no one cares about basketball there. Sure, your average Alabama football fan probably does not, but SEC schools have a made a conscientious effort to pour some of the SECN money into basketball to raise the prestige of that sport (which then provides more TV inventory for the conference).

The days of the SEC sucking at basketball are over. That league's prowess will continue to rise. Bama and UGA and Tennessee can only build so many football cathedrals. Some of the excess money is finding its way to basketball.

Wimp Sanderson had some damn good Bama teams during his long run in Tuscaloosa.

 

[alabamaheel]

Oats is spectacular! He signed an extension today through 2027. His Buffalo team crushed Arizona in the NCAA tournament. He is a better coach today than Coach Williams or Krzyzewski.

Easy trigger

 

[dtodd4475]

Oh good Lord. LMFAO.

What Pearl did with the Iowa/Illinois Deon Thomas affair is inexcusable !!!

 

[gary-7]

Do you have some evidence to suggest I’m wrong?

LMAO. Unsurprisingly, you know nothing about bama sports recruiting. The REC (Red Elephant Club --- that annually restocks Saban's shelves), started throwing big hoops $$$ around when Avery Johnson got there (including a couple-hundred-grand to Colin Sexton), and suffice to say that hasn't abated.

 

[notashelbyfan]

Do you have some evidence to suggest I’m wrong?

Sure he does, but you are way to uninformed for him to waste the time to explain it to you!

On another note Platek pitched a shutout on D last night!

 

[Sk1310]

Oats is a great coach. Saw him do wonders here at UB.

 

[Ozheelfan]

On another note Platek pitched a shutout on D last night!

The constant jabs at Platek are getting pretty tired.... especially when Tyler Hansborough, arguably one of the top 5 Tar Heels of all time and much closer to the program than anyone on here, sang his praises during the commentary.
He did admit that Platek hasn't always shown what he's capable of, but he also mentioned how Platek does so many things that don't end up on the stats sheet to make the team win, and, when Platek has a good game, UNC tends to have a good game.

So thanks, I'll pay attention to #50intherafters before @notashelbyfan

 

[ticket2ride04]

LMAO. Unsurprisingly, you know nothing about bama sports recruiting. The REC (Red Elephant Club --- that annually restocks Saban's shelves), started throwing big hoops $$$ around when Avery Johnson got there (including a couple-hundred-grand to Colin Sexton), and suffice to say that hasn't abated.

Ya know it’s funny, I googled Alabama Basketball cheating and only got a hit for an associate AD doing some off the books stuff. But there are scores of stuff about Auburn and Pearl. Not sure why you care as a UNC guy.

Looking at age, accomplishments, potential, and the ability to run a clean program, give me Oats all day long.

 

[dadika13]

Ya know it’s funny, I googled Alabama Basketball cheating and only got a hit for an associate AD doing some off the books stuff. But there are scores of stuff about Auburn and Pearl. Not sure why you care as a UNC guy.

Looking at age, accomplishments, potential, and the ability to run a clean program, give me Oats all day long.

Auburn fan thinks Alabama's coach is crap and they cheat. Color me shocked.

 

[notashelbyfan]

The constant jabs at Platek are getting pretty tired.... especially when Tyler Hansborough, arguably one of the top 5 Tar Heels of all time and much closer to the program than anyone on here, sang his praises during the commentary.
He did admit that Platek hasn't always shown what he's capable of, but he also mentioned how Platek does so many things that don't end up on the stats sheet to make the team win, and, when Platek has a good game, UNC tends to have a good game.

So thanks, I'll pay attention to #50intherafters before @notashelbyfan

Couple of things first lighten up you guys are to serious.

Next I thought Platek had a great game, as he always does when we play mid-major teams with 2nd level talent!

Third Tyler would have complimented him if he would have taken a dump at center court, what would you have expected to hear?

Next the statement I made about Plateks D in the game was a direct quote from quick stuff from the Dalai Lama of THR!

 

[ticket2ride04]

Couple of things first lighten up you guys are to serious.

Next I thought Platek had a great game, as he always does when we play mid-major teams with 2nd level talent!

Third Tyler would have complimented him if he would have taken a dump at center court, what would you have expected to hear?

Next the statement I made about Plateks D in the game was a direct quote from quick stuff from the Dalai Lama of THR!

You and I disagree strongly on players opting out but we’d both be cool with TEK opting out, right?

 

[notashelbyfan]

You and I disagree strongly on players opting out but we’d both be cool with TEK opting out, right?

Yes but the message board sure will be boring without him.

 

[grillheel]

Ya know it’s funny, I googled Alabama Basketball cheating and only got a hit for an associate AD doing some off the books stuff. But there are scores of stuff about Auburn and Pearl. Not sure why you care as a UNC guy.

Looking at age, accomplishments, potential, and the ability to run a clean program, give me Oats all day long.

And Chuck Person says hi!

 

[heels05champs]

Pearl is in that top group with Calipari and Wade as the dirtiest coaches in the SEC.

 

[notashelbyfan]

Pearl is in that top group with Calipari and Wade as the dirtiest coaches in the SEC.

I agree but I also think Pearl is a way better coach than Cal, matter of fact as far as coaches go as it's applies to X'es and O's he is really good and seems to be likeable!

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I agree but I also think Pearl is a way better coach than Cal, matter of fact as far as coaches go as it's applies to X'es and O's he is really good and seems to be likeable!

Agree on likeability. I like Pearl.

 

[imajericho]

Gary is an auburn fan so naturally he thinks his chief rival is cheating and his school is golden. He still thinks Cam Newton wasn't paid. Also that the assistant at Auburn went rogue and the program is beyond reproach.

That said, Alabama is probably up to some mischief... At least in football... Their recruiting stretch is unfathomable. Whether it is Zion/Bagley esque or what. Something is going on.

 

[Sk1310]

Oats has them playing really well and he finally figured out how to get Petty playing to a high level. They also play fast and rebound the hell out of the ball, which is very UNC-like. He also won 2 NCAA games in his last 2 seasons at Buffalo, which is a feat in itself.

My one concern would be that he didn't recruit Bama's top guys right now. I'd like to see him show he can get a 5 star kid or two there but if we're talking Roy successor, he should absolutely be on that initial list of people we think about.

Yep, the first year he took over for Hurley at Buffalo, he lost his top 2 scorers. I believe 1 followed Hurley to AZ St. Still got them to the NCAA tournament. Getting Buffalo to the NCAA tournament 3 times in 4 years is amazing. He had the city buzzing about college bball, for the first time in my lifetime. Bars were rocking during march madness. Also crushing Sean Miller and Arizona in the tournament was fun to watch.

 

[Heelicious]

The constant jabs at Platek are getting pretty tired.... especially when Tyler Hansborough, arguably one of the top 5 Tar Heels of all time and much closer to the program than anyone on here, sang his praises during the commentary.
He did admit that Platek hasn't always shown what he's capable of, but he also mentioned how Platek does so many things that don't end up on the stats sheet to make the team win, and, when Platek has a good game, UNC tends to have a good game.

So thanks, I'll pay attention to #50intherafters before @notashelbyfan

If you're going to use Hansbrough as the standard for supporting Platek, at least get his name right. Just a thing that is mildyly annoying. NBD.

TH was very reluctant to judge or criticize anyone harshly at all. What someone said earlier is true and an insightful comment IMO: Platek had a good game on Wednesday because NE is a team at the talent and athleticism level equal to (not superior to) Platek. The whole game slows down and is viable for lesser athletic players to hang. In a sense I think the same can be said for why Kessler had a good game, given where he is right now, from getting it. Kessler seems like he'll still struggle for a while against good, superior size and athleticism individual players.

I watched a bit of the game last night and while Platek did have a decent game, he still has occasions of trying to make the impossible pass, throwing it directly to the opponent, for a turnover...

...and has times where he is in absolute no-mans-land for extended times on defense - five feet away from any offensive player, guarding nobody, stuck too slow on a switch / help defense.