By the time March rolls in and conference tournaments are underway, it can be a little chippy between various coaches and teams.
In Alabama’s case, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats believes his team’s resume is strong enough that he feels he can take a shot at an entire conference. What did ‘Bama’s coach say about the ACC?
Nate Oats Speaks About ACC Teams
The 50-year-old head coach recently spoke about where his team stands resume-wise ahead of play in the SEC Tournament.
“We’ve had more top 25 wins in our last 7 games than every ACC school did the entire season.” – Nate Oats on Alabama’s resume going into the SEC Tournament pic.twitter.com/QYwJdsXQlJ
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) March 12, 2025
“We had a really good regular season. No. 1 strength of schedule…We’ve had more top-25 wins in our last seven games than every ACC school did the entire season.”
It is safe to say that Oats is proud of both his team and the SEC.
The conference has been arguably the best and most competitive in the sport this season, with 13 teams reaching at least 20 overall wins.
Alabama Looks Dangerous
While the Tide finished third in the SEC regular-season standings, they still look like one of the country’s best teams. After a 24-win regular season, Oats’s team is ready to try and win the conference tournament.
In the regular season, the Tide beat quality teams such as Kentucky and Auburn to post an impressive 13-5 conference record.
Last season, Oats and Co. reached the program’s first-ever Final Four after also going 13-5 in conference play. In three out of his first five seasons coaching in Tuscaloosa, Oats has guided his team to at least a Sweet 16 appearance.
WHO’S PLAYING WHO IN NASHVILLE? READ THE FULL SEC TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
That is why it would be unwise to think that he won’t be able to do it again with this year’s team.
With it being senior guard Mark Sears’s last go-around as a member of the team, it would not be a surprise to see this team scratch and claw its way all the way to San Antonio for the Final Four.
For now, though, look for the Tide to have some strong performances in the SEC Tournament. Their first game is on Friday night in Nashville against the winner of Kentucky-Oklahoma.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
