Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats gave a blunt message to anyone who was interested in his assistant coach opening.
“Everybody we interviewed, just basically told them, ‘if you can’t coach a top-5 defense in the country, don’t bother applying or talking to me,” Oats said Tuesday.
Alabama had enough defensive woes a season ago that Oats didn’t want it to happen again. So he hired defensive guru Brian Adams, a long-time NBA assistant.
The Crimson Tide had the No. 2 offense in the country in 2023-24, per KenPom. But its defense finished No. 111. That was a far cry from the No. 3 defense the season prior to go with the No. 20 offense.
“Our defense is going to be markedly improved from last year, due in part to him, due in part to, again, roster,” Oats said. “Roster is more important than the coaches, but we do have to have a coach that knows what he’s doing, and I think he’s doing a great job.”
When Oats references players helping improve the defense, Clifford Omoruyi sits at the top of the list; The Rutgers transfer is expected to provide the rim protection Alabama didn’t really have a season ago.
“Maybe best shot blocker in the country,” Oats said. “Chris Youngblood, ultimate competitor. Houston Mallette, long, athletic defensive guy. The freshmen, Derrion Reid, super versatile. Aiden Sherrell, rim protector. Labaron Philon has been maybe our best two-way guard every day in practice.”
Combine that group with Adams, and the defense has a chance for drastic improvement. Adams has already received praise from Alabama players, specifically Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
“Super intense,” Wrightsell said.
Part of Adams’ job has been changing mindsets and how players view defense at Alabama. Adams has changed the way the Crimson Tide practices, too.
“We normally used to go for offensive scores, now it‘s, who can get the most stops?” Wrightsell said. “He’s definitely brought an intensity into that.”
Time will tell how that translates into intensity on the floor, starting when Alabama begins its season Monday, Nov. 4 at Coleman Coliseum against UNC Asheville.
Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.
