After Auburn’s defeat, Nate Oats is criticised for not playing like a big man.
The No. 16 Alabama Crimson Tide lost a crucial game against rival Auburn on Wednesday night, 99-81, possibly ending the Tide’s chances of winning the SEC.
However, for some, the match represented more than just a tough defeat. It served as a warning that there is a vulnerability in Alabama’s analytics-based offence, which is centred on layups and three-pointers.
To begin with, the actual game. The No. 12 Tigers rallied towards the half and maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game, while the Tide kept the game close until there were about four minutes remaining in the first half.
The most worrisome aspect of Auburn’s performance was the dominant play of power forward Jaylin Williams and centre Johni Broome, who combined for 50 points.
On the other hand, Alabama chose a smaller lineup because they are a team that depends on perimeter shooting. Despite substituting bigger players later, the Tide was unable to stop Auburn’s frontcourt.
Some have demanded changes as a result of this.
To be more precise, Oats received an open letter from Chase Goodbread of the Tuscaloosa News describing the new player as “a glass-eating machine who would fit perfectly in that yesteryear style of college ball that your analytics has little appreciation for.”
Such a player would be helpful when the Tide is being “bullied by a team that imposed its physical will,” according to Goodbread, but he doesn’t even need to start or score.
“I’m referring to power. In contrast to heavyweights, thin forwards are unable to control space by spreading their feet in the paint,” he continued.
Nobody on the Alabama roster has claimed that position as of yet. Guard Mark Sears led the team in rebounds against Auburn with nine, followed by forward Grant Nelson with six and forward Nick Pringle, who was suspended twice, with seven. Goodbread would have described Pringle and Nelson as “slender forwards,” as they are both almost seven feet tall and weigh approximately 230 pounds.
Charles Bediako, a recent player whom Oats deemed an effective rim protector, weighed a mere 220 pounds. That is significantly less than the “260 pounds or more” that Goodbread specifies.
The letter has sparked controversy among the fans, as former player Bryan Passink stated on Thursday that he will take the knowledgeable Oats’ word over Goodbread’s on the matter.
Passink makes a good point, but let me add one more: Oats has had two SEC championship seasons at Alabama, but neither team has advanced past the Sweet Sixteen.
Both seasons were successful, to be sure, but not up to par. Maybe the team’s remaining potential can be unlocked with the addition of a large enforcer.
