Nate Oats identifies three problem areas Alabama basketball has to take care of to win SEC
Alabama Basketball Gears Up for Tough SEC Challenges: Areas to Improve for Success
Alabama basketball has maintained its reputation as one of the top teams in the country since the preseason, but the Crimson Tide is still striving to hit its peak performance. The team faces an increasingly difficult road ahead, beginning Saturday when the University of Alabama (UA), holding an 11-2 record, launches its league schedule against the undefeated Oklahoma Sooners at Coleman Coliseum.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has had a stellar run in non-conference play this season, raising the stakes for intra-conference competition. Alabama’s January schedule is packed, featuring eight games, five of which are against Top 25-ranked opponents.
For Alabama to fulfill its preseason prediction as SEC champions, head coach Nate Oats has identified three critical areas for improvement. These aspects are vital for the Crimson Tide to succeed in what promises to be a grueling stretch of basketball.
A Call for Defensive Excellence
According to Coach Oats, defense remains Alabama’s most pressing area for improvement. “Obviously, the biggest room for improvement is on the defensive side of the ball,” Oats stated during a press conference on Friday. “Our defense isn’t where it needs to be.”
Oats emphasized the need for players to take more “individual pride” in their defensive efforts and to focus on keeping opposing players out of the lane. Despite roster additions such as Rutgers transfer Cliff Omoruyi and freshman Aiden Sherrell, brought in to support Grant Nelson in the No. 5 spot, the team’s rim protection still requires significant enhancement.
“We’ve got to be better at protecting the rim,” Oats noted. He specifically called on Omoruyi to step up, saying, “We need him to dominate and be our big-time rim protector as we move forward.”
Oats acknowledged that Omoruyi might not be in the best physical condition to play extended minutes but praised his progress. “I think he’s figuring out the pace better now. Mentally, he’s processing the game quicker than he did earlier in the season,” Oats said.
Sharpening Offensive Precision
On the offensive side, Alabama’s three-point shooting remains a concern. Historically, Oats has allowed his players the freedom to shoot from deep whenever they find an opening. However, this season, the Crimson Tide has struggled, shooting only 31.7% from beyond the arc—a statistic that places them near the bottom of teams under Oats’ tenure.
“Three-point percentage is the biggest thing that jumps out,” Oats remarked. He noted that the team must focus on identifying the right players to take those shots.
One bright spot has been guard Mark Sears, whose performance from beyond the arc has improved after a rocky start to the season. “I think Mark started out struggling, but he’s improved a lot,” Oats said. “He’s done a better job being shot-ready and taking good looks.”
To improve, Alabama needs to evaluate which players excel in different shooting scenarios—whether it’s catch-and-shoot opportunities, stepping into shots, or creating off the dribble. Oats remains optimistic, stating that a statistical “jump” is possible with better shot selection and execution.
Reducing Turnovers for Sustained Success
Alabama’s fast-paced style of play often results in an eagerness to take quick three-point shots, but this aggressiveness comes at a cost. Turnovers have been a recurring issue, with UA averaging 12.8 per game as they began conference play.
A recent matchup against South Dakota State provided a glimmer of hope, as Alabama recorded a season-low six turnovers. However, Oats cautioned against viewing this as a turning point, pointing out that the Jackrabbits are not on the same level as the SEC opponents the Tide will face.
“Turnovers have been an issue up until now,” Oats admitted. “But SEC competition is a whole different level.”
The Crimson Tide’s January opponents will test their ball security. Teams like Oklahoma, which averages 9.5 steals per game, and Texas A&M and Ole Miss, both averaging over 10 steals, are particularly adept at forcing turnovers. Even mid-tier teams such as Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and LSU can pose challenges, averaging seven to eight steals per game.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Alabama can maintain better ball control as they navigate through a demanding SEC schedule.
The Road Ahead
As Alabama enters the heart of its season, the team’s performance in January could set the tone for the rest of the year. With eight games on the schedule, including five against ranked opponents, the Crimson Tide faces a significant test of its resilience and adaptability.
For Alabama to emerge as the SEC champion, they must address the defensive lapses, refine their offensive execution, and minimize turnovers. These improvements are essential as they prepare to face some of the toughest competition in the conference.
Coach Oats remains confident that his team has the potential to rise to the challenge. “We’ve got a lot of talent on this team, but talent alone isn’t enough,” Oats said. “It’s about effort, focus, and executing in the areas where we need to get better.”
Building Momentum Through Leadership
Leadership on and off the court will be critical for Alabama during this challenging stretch. Players like Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, and Cliff Omoruyi will need to set the tone for their teammates, both in terms of performance and mentality.
Sears, in particular, has shown glimpses of being the steady hand Alabama needs in critical moments. His improved shooting and ability to make smart decisions with the ball will be key as the Tide looks to navigate the challenges ahead.
For Omoruyi, the focus will be on becoming the defensive anchor Alabama needs in the paint. His ability to protect the rim and dominate defensively could be the difference-maker in tight games.
Meanwhile, younger players like Aiden Sherrell have the opportunity to grow into larger roles as the season progresses. Their development will be essential for Alabama to sustain its level of play throughout the rigorous SEC schedule.
Navigating SEC Powerhouses
The SEC’s strong showing in non-conference play has elevated the level of competition within the conference. Teams like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kentucky are among the nation’s elite, and Alabama will have to bring its best effort to compete with them.
The Crimson Tide’s success against ranked opponents in January will be a crucial indicator of their potential to make a deep postseason run. A strong showing could position Alabama as a top contender not just in the SEC but on the national stage.
Conclusion
Alabama basketball is poised for a season-defining stretch as it begins SEC play. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Crimson Tide must focus on improving their defense, enhancing their offensive efficiency, and reducing turnovers.
Coach Nate Oats and his players have demonstrated the ability to adapt and grow, but the road to success in the SEC will be anything but easy. By addressing their weaknesses and leaning on their strengths, Alabama has the potential to achieve the lofty goals set for them in the preseason.
As the season progresses, the Crimson Tide’s ability to weather adversity and rise to the occasion will determine whether they can live up to their championship aspirations. Time will tell if Alabama can translate its talent and potential into tangible success on the court.
