Will Wade has coached against Alabama in the past during his time at LSU, so he understands what Nate Oats has built during his time in Tuscaloosa.

On Monday night, Wade took the McNeese Cowboys to Tuscaloosa to take on No. 2 Alabama. The Cowboys battled before falling 72-64, but Wade after the game had high praise for the Crimson Tide.

“Alabama is obviously a phenomenal team,” Wade said. “That is a tremendous SEC team and probably the best team the SEC has had in quite some time.”

Beyond that assessment, Wade believes this team could be the best that Oats has built since the head coach arrived in Tuscaloosa. He spoke to the depth of the Crimson Tide as an indicator of how complete Oats’ roster is.

“This is the most complete team. They have two of everything,” Wade explained.

 

It isn’t just Wade that believes in Alabama, as the Crimson Tide are the No. 2 team in the country. The only team in front of them is Kansas.

Guard Mark Sears is leading the way for Alabama, as he leads the team with 18 PPG and is shooting 43% from the 3-point line. Forward Grant Nelson is averaging 12 PPG and 5.7 RPG, and that duo has the experience and talent that can help a team go on a deep run in March.

The Crimson Tide face their first big matchup of the 2024 season on Friday, as they travel to No. 13 Purdue. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. ET and the game will be on Peacock.