Alabama basketball has built its identity on speed and high-scoring offense, but head coach Nate Oats has emphasized something just as important — toughness. Since taking over in 2019, Oats has instilled a gritty mentality, particularly on defense. Well, that mindset has evolved into a unique tradition.
Alabama’s Hard Hat: According to Coach Nate Oats’ Postgame Tradition
The “hard hat” has become a defining symbol of Alabama basketball. After each game, the coaching staff awards it to the player who earns the most “Blue Collar Points,” a system designed to measure effort and hustle plays.
As the Crimson Tide continues its NCAA Tournament run, many fans wonder why certain players and supporters wear hard hats and where the tradition started.
A video posted on an X page called Tide Hoops History captured a moment when Oats explained the significance of the hard hat following a game.
Here are the current Hard Hat leaders for @AlabamaMBB after Saturday’s win.
Mouhamed Dioubate – 8
Grant Nelson – 6
Mark Sears – 3
Clifford Omoruyi – 2
Labaron Philon – 2
Jarin Stevenson – 2
Aiden Sherrell – 1
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. – 1 pic.twitter.com/ECbvWHFYf2— Tide Hoops History (@BamaHistory) February 9, 2025
“Seriously, the effort though, for 30 minutes, and some of you guys even, we had some good effort plays late, was as good as we’ve had all year,” Oats said in the clip. “And Sears, I thought you put your a** off. Seriously, you got the blue belt again. Nice job.”
Right after Oats’ speech, the hard hat was awarded to Latrell Wrightsell Jr. The team immediately celebrated, tapping him on the head as part of the ritual.
Why Does Alabama Basketball Wear Hard Hats?
The hard hat tradition originated during Oats’ time as head coach at Buffalo. In his second season with the Bulls in 2016-17, he and his staff began awarding players for their hustle. Former Buffalo assistant coach Lindsey Hunter played a key role in its creation.
“(Former Buffalo assistant coach) Lindsey (Hunter) walks in after a game and he just basically says to the team, ‘We’re not blue-collar enough,'” Oats said in 2020. “I thought about it that night, and I thought, ‘He’s right, we aren’t blue-collar enough. I don’t even think our players even know what blue-collar means.'”
Buffalo, known for its working-class mentality, was the perfect setting for such a tradition. The hard hat became a representation of grit, discipline, and relentless effort. Oats embraced that mindset, using it to push his players to excel in every aspect of the game.
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Oats led Buffalo to an upset victory over No. 4 Arizona in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, proving his system worked. When he took over at Alabama in 2019, he brought the hard hat culture with him, emphasizing effort, defense, and accountability.
It quickly became a symbol for the program, embodying the hard-nosed style Oats wanted to establish. Today, the hard hat is a common sight in Alabama’s student section, a reminder of the program’s commitment to outworking its opponents.
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