As the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team prepares to face the top-ranked Auburn Tigers, head coach Nate Oats has emphasized that his team’s focus remains on continuous improvement and not on rankings or external accolades. This perspective mirrors the approach of Alabama football coach Nick Saban, who often refers to such distractions as “rat poison.”
In a recent interview, Oats stated, “It’s nice to be 1. It really doesn’t mean anything, though. It doesn’t help you win an SEC championship. It’s recognition, that’s it. Coach Saban says it’s rat poison. We’ve got to keep our guys locked in.”
This mindset is particularly pertinent as Alabama approaches a challenging road matchup against No. 10 Tennessee. Oats has made it clear that the team’s primary objective is to focus on their performance and growth, rather than getting caught up in their current standing.
Reflecting on a recent game against Arkansas, where Alabama nearly squandered an 18-point lead, Oats expressed his concerns about the team’s ability to maintain focus throughout the game. He remarked, “I’m a little irritated because we played really well for 30 minutes. We got the turnovers fixed to start the second half, and then… I feel like our guys just relaxed.”
As the showdown with Auburn approaches, Oats remains steadfast in his philosophy. He insists that the team must concentrate on their own game and not be distracted by external factors. “I don’t really care, to be honest with you,” Oats said regarding the potential No. 1 ranking. “We’ve just gotta take care of business. We’ve got full control of our own destiny to win the SEC right now. Wherever the voters want to put us, it doesn’t matter.”
This disciplined approach underscores Oats’ commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the Alabama basketball program. By keeping the team’s focus on internal development and performance, Oats aims to navigate the challenges of the season and position the Crimson Tide for sustained
success.
