What Oats said about Alabama’s NCAA Tournament matchup with Charleston

Alabama basketball head coach Nate Oats was itching to get out of his post-selection show virtual press conference. His Crimson Tide was matched up with Charleston in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and Oats had things to do.

“Gotta get done with this Zoom so I can get to work figuring out how to beat Charleston,” Oats said.

Oats admitted that he hadn’t been especially familiar with the Cougars before the matchup was announced Sunday. However, from what he did know about the team, which earned its NCAA Tournament bid by winning the Coastal Athletic Association, he saw similarities to a group he knows well.

“Pretty similar to us, to be honest with you,” Oats said. “I mean, their offense is top 60 in the country. Their pace of play is top 50. Their 3-point rate is top 20. They’re playing fast, spreading it out, taking a lot of threes. We’re gonna have to see exactly how they get it, but I’m about to see. My staff’s already working on Charleston.”

Oats and the Crimson Tide are limping into the big dance. UA earned a double-bye in the SEC Tournament, but fell in its first game in Nashville against Florida and is struggling on both ends of the court.

The coach acknowledged things will need to change if Alabama is to make any sort of run to end the season. Meanwhile, Charleston is on a 12-game winning streak and will be looking to start a cinderella story.

“We’re treating it like it’s a whole new season and we’re playing a really good team,” Oats said. “I’ve been on the other side of this. I’ve been a 13-seed playing a four at Buffalo and came in and beat Arizona, so I’ve got a pretty good idea of the mindset of that group. And they’re hungry. I’m sure they can’t wait to play us. They’re excited.”

The game is scheduled for Friday at 6:35 p.m. CT in Spokane. Oats said he was happy with the time and date, noting that playing on Friday helpful for the team to be rested and healthy.

Alabama will have assistant coach Austin Claunch with the team through the postseason, before he heads to UTSA as the head coach of the Roadrunners.

“So happy for Austin,” Oats said. He’s a great culture guy. He’s a great mind as a head coach, brought a lot to the program. We both learned from each other in the year he was here. I think he’ll do a great job there.”

Alabama’s Friday game will be aired on TruTV.