Nate Oats stresses 'big picture items' with Alabama players

The NCAA Tournament’s top seed Alabama has been rolling so far. The Crimson Tide have won their first two tournament games by over 20 points and are set to take on San Diego State in the Sweet 16 on Friday. On and off the court it’s been a compelling season for Alabama, and head coach Nate Oats spoke about keeping his squad focused.

“We talk about we’ve got big picture items and we got to be concerned with that,” Oats said. “And then we have the details that matter when you get to practice, in the games, when I say matter, they matter to the game. Like you have to focus on what matters in practice. You have to focus on what matters in the game. And you are where your feet are.”

Focus has been the key for Alabama this season, as they’ve established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the country. The Crimson Tide have won 31 games this season with just five losses, boasting a nine-game winning streak during the regular season. They’ve won their last five games, and and another four consecutive wins not only matches their season high win streak, but secures them a national championship.

“When we’re in practice, we’re focusing on that. When we’re in video, we’re focused on the preparation for the practice or game. When we’re in the game — and we kind of had that talk going into the SEC Tournament. I thought our guys did a great job focusing on the task at hand for three straight games of the SEC Tournament,” Oats said.

SEC Player of the Year Brandon Miller took care of business in the SEC Tournament for the Crimson Tide, leading the team in scoring in each game averaging 20.3 points per game. He’s let to lead the team in scoring yet in the NCAA Tournament, but the Crimson Tide’s focus and depth have propelled them through the tournament thus far.

“I think they have done a really great job for two straight games here,” Oats said. “First two rounds focusing on what they need to focus on when they are at practice, video, games, whatever it is. And then, you know, the appropriate big picture stuff will take — you know, our guys know they are dealing with on that other stuff.”

Alabama and San Diego State tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET this Friday in a Sweet 16 matchup airing on TBS.