Nate Oats explains what he likes about Alabama's NCAAT draw, comments on team defense

Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide will face off against Charleston in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament on Friday.

The Tide earned a 4-seed in the bracket and Oats immediately addressed reporters to give his initial thoughts on the upcoming tournament for the Crimson Tide.

To start, Oats explained that he loves the fact that Alabama gets to rest up until Friday and noted that despite the SECT not going how the Tide wanted, it may have been a blessing in disguise as his team can be fully recharged for what should be a tough opening matchup.

Nate Oats: “I do like the fact that we don’t have to play until Friday. I think we get our legs up under us a little bit more.”

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) March 17, 2024

Furthermore, Oats said his staff is already working on a scout for Charleston, to state the obvious. He also said the following in passing about the Cougars, who won the CAA on Tuesday over Stony Brook.

Nate Oats: “We’re excited to be in the tournament. … Regardless of where we get sent, we’re excited to go there. … We’ve got a long flight to Spokane. Charleston’s got a longer flight.”

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) March 17, 2024

Alabama is a strong team that is known for its offense and athleticism, but not quite its defense. The Tide have struggled in that area in the past, but Oats is confident that his team’s improvements will shine through on Friday in Spokane.

Nate Oats says he believes in his defense despite poor play of late. “If we do it for 40 minutes for two straight games, we’ll be playing in LA the following weekend.”

— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) March 17, 2024

Alabama vs. Charleston will tip off from Spokane on Friday. An exact tip time should be revealed within the next few hours.