In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Nick Saban’s championship-winning legacy is well-known, having secured six national titles and nine SEC championships during his tenure at Alabama. Similarly,
basketball coach Nate Oats is striving to create a successful program, boasting four SEC titles in the last three seasons and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, with another on the horizon.
Upon Saban’s retirement announcement, Oats seized the opportunity to invite him back to Tuscaloosa to address the basketball team. Saban graciously accepted and spoke to the team during their bye week, even attending their game against Texas A&M, sitting courtside to show his support for their 100-75 victory on Saturday.
Following the game, players Rylan Griffen, Mark Sears, and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. shared insights from Saban’s speech. Griffen emphasized the importance of absorbing Saban’s wisdom, describing him as a “living legend” whose words hold significant weight.
Sears and Wrightsell recounted Saban’s emphasis on the mindset of “being a beast” and the characteristics needed for success, including sharing a motivational story involving NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s address to the Alabama football team.
In addition to Saban’s presence, NBA players Noah Clowney of the Brooklyn Nets and Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans attended the game during the NBA all-star break, showcasing their support for the Crimson Tide. Oats noted the significance of former players returning to engage with the current team, highlighting the positive influence they bring.
Clowney, who played for Alabama before being drafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, was also asked to address the team before the game. Despite an initial struggle with rebounding in the first half, Oats light-heartedly challenged Clowney to inspire the players to improve their performance.
The game also saw the recognition of the 2004 Elite Eight team during halftime, with former players and coaches, including longtime assistant Antoine Pettway and former head coach Mark Gottfried, honored.
Ultimately, No. 15 Alabama delivered an impressive performance, securing another commanding victory and maintaining their position atop the SEC standings, much to the delight of the special guests in attendance at Coleman Coliseum.
