Nate Oats says Britton Johnson predicted hot start for Alabama after starting on Senior Night

Alabama honored its seniors Saturday night with South Carolina in town for a meeting. As a part of that night, the Crimson Tide started all 5 seniors.

That group included Jahvon Quinerly, James Rojas and Keon Ellis joined by seldom-used walk-ons Britton Johnson and Tyler Barnes. Johnson has appeared in 6 games this season while Barnes has appeared in 3.

After the game, head coach Nate Oats discussed Barnes and Johnson getting the opportunity to start. According to Oats, Johnson predicted Alabama would be leading at the first media timeout with his contributions to the starting lineup.

To Johnson’s credit, the Tide were up at the first break. Unfortunately, he did not have a hand in the scoring.

Nate Oats said Britton Johnson told him Alabama would be leading at the first media timeout, after Johnson and fellow walk-on Tyler Barnes started. Alabama did lead, 12-5.

“It would’ve been nice if he hit a shot,” Oats said tongue-in-cheek. “Crowd would’ve gone crazy.”

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) February 27, 2022

Johnson being scoreless in his 6 minutes played was not due to a lack of effort. He went 0-for-4 from the floor but did have 2 rebounds and a steal.

Alabama would go on to win 90-71 vs. the Gamecocks with Quinerly and Jaden Shackelford combining for 41 points in the win. As a team, the Tide went 13-for-33 from 3-point range in the win.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.