Nate Oats has a well-deserved reputation for being a quick and quick attack coach, but has been defending his team helping to keep Alabama at the top of the SEC in February.
The Tide this week reached the country’s top spot in KenPom’s defensive efficiency rating ahead of Saturday’s game against Georgia, the first of six remaining conference games as the program appears to win its first regular season conference title since 2002.
Although Alabama ranks 159th in Division I, losing 69.6 points per game, the efficiency metric tells a more complete story. He measures points for 100 possessions, taking into account the most scored points in Alabama’s highest-rhythm games, and adjusts according to the opponents’ strength.
Offensively, the tide dropped to 36º in the country, after being classified in 13º just three weeks ago.
“Our numbers offensive to KenPom have been dropping in the last six games or more in efficiency,” explained Oats on Friday. “Part of this is that we have not been healthy. When Herb Jones was healthy and we were able to create those advantages in the first six [SEC games], because he was playing with some momentum, I think we reached 10th or 11th in offensive efficiency.
“It’s already in its 30s now. Our speeds have increased. Our shooting was not so good. Herb was unable to create so much help because he is really hurt. That was a big part of that. “
Alabama averaged 88 points per game in its first seven SEC games, culminating in a 105 point barrier against LSU. Tide averaged just 71 points in the next five games before beating South Carolina on Tuesday night with 81.
“Offensively, I thought we took a step in the right direction,” said Oats.
Injuries have been influential as Jones has dealt with a back injury in recent games, while center-back Jordan Bruner remains out due to a knee injury. But Alabama played the mole blow with other offensive issues.
The three-point shot at the start of the season appeared to have been resolved in January, but lately it has been inconsistent. The offensive rebound was at one point a major problem, but Alabama overcame its two previous opponents on the offensive glass. Tuesday’s game, however, set a record for the season, 22 turns.
“This has become a problem,” said Oats. “It hadn’t been for a while. As fast as we play, you have to live with a few twists, but 22 is ridiculous. We can’t turn the ball around. If we turn the ball with [Georgia] in the transition, we will lose the game. “
Georgia, 12-7 overall and 5-7 in the SEC, joins the CT end of Saturday at 2:30 pm at the Coleman Coliseum after winning three of their last four games. Alabama (16-5, 11-1 in the SEC) beat the Bulldogs in overtime on the road at the schools’ only meeting last season. NBA No. 1 future Anthony Edwards took 14 points.
“I think they have improved a lot in many areas since last year,” said Oats. “It is a better defensive team. They move the ball better. They play together more as a team. They have a very good plan. They are very well trained. Trainer [Tom] Crean does a good job. “
After Saturday, Alabama travels to a game on Wednesday night at Texas A&M. This competition is expected to happen despite the Aggies not having played their last four scheduled games because of the COVID-19 protocols.
“Our manager said they talked to their managers and, from now on, thought they would be back next week,” said Oats on Friday. “We are planning to play. It will be two weeks on Tuesday. … My guess is that your two weeks will end there and we will be playing on Wednesday. That would be my guess, or so we hear from your administration, at least. “
Here is a summary of Alabama’s next schedule:
- Saturday, February 13 vs. Georgia, 2:30 pm CT
- Wednesday, February 17 at Texas A&M, 8 pm CT
- Saturday, February 20th vs. Vanderbilt, 12h CT
- Wednesday, February 24 in Arkansas, 8 pm CT
- Saturday, February 27 in the state of Mississippi, 19:30 CT
- Tuesday, March 2 vs. Auburn, 18h CT
- Friday, March 12: SEC tournament quarter-finals (Nashville)
- Saturday, March 13: SEC tournament semifinals (12 pm and 2 pm CT)
- Sunday, March 14: SEC tournament championship (12h CT); NCAA tournament selection show (5 pm CT, CBS)
- Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20: first round of the NCAA tournament (Indianapolis)
Mike Rodak is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.