Nate Oats reveals message from Nick Saban after earning No. 1 ranking

If someone told you Alabama was ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, the easy assumption would be football is the discussion. Nick Saban finds his team at the top on a regular basis, even during a down 2022 season. But that assumption would be wrong this time, with the basketball program earning the achievement on Monday.

An 11-0 start in SEC play from Nate Oats has contributed to the ranking along with an impressive nonconference schedule. Road wins against Arkansas, Auburn, and Houston have made Alabama stand out from anyone else in college basketball.

Oats was looking for direction on how to handle being No. 1 but did not have to look too far. He asked Saban for advice, with the football head coach saying both eyes need to be kept on the prize.

“I talked to Coach Saban this morning,” Oats said during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show. “He obviously has some experience. No. 1 a few times. It’s really true. He said it doesn’t mean anything being No. 1 in the middle of the year. Our overall goal was never to be ranked No. 1 come the middle of February. We’ve got a lot bigger goals than that.”

Nick Saban involved with basketball program, helps recruit

When football and basketball programs are rolling at the same time, energy can be fed off each other. Saban seemingly is a huge fan of the work Oats has done, even if it’s from afar. After all, there might not be a bigger celebrity in the state.

“Coach Saban is a big basketball fan,” Oats said. “He doesn’t get to come to too many games. I think he’s made the point if he actually physically shows up, he can’t watch the game very much. Has to take too many pictures and sign too many autographs.

“He was able to make one earlier this year and make some in the past. He tells me he watches every game, he’s a big basketball fan.”

Saban takes things even one step further, giving out an assist in the recruiting game. Oats will bring prospects to Bryant Denny Stadium and have them meet with Saban. The best recruiter in college football does well with basketball too apparently.

“He’s great with our recruits,” Oats said. “Kind of just talks about winning and what it takes to be special and how he coaches his guys. He’s really great with the recruits.”

Nate Oats hoping Alabama can keep foot on gas pedal

Saban had a famous quote at the 2009 national championship parade that Oats will likely want his team to remember moving forward. “This is not the end, this is the beginning” was the message and while Saban was talking about national championships, it applies to this singular basketball season as well.

“Our goal wasn’t to be No. 1 in February,” Oats said. “Our goal was to be the best team at the end of the year. So, if we get satisfied with being No. 1 in the middle of February, we’re definitely going to be No. 1 come March, end of the year. I think our guys understand we got to get better because we’ve had some disappointing losses.”

Two of the losses have come at timely moments when Alabama had a ton of momentum. Gonzaga won in Birmingham after an impressive PK85 Tournament run while Oklahoma blew the Crimson Tide out in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Keeping a foot on the gas pedal will be key the rest of the way.

“We were playing really well, went on the road to Oklahoma, and got drilled,” Oats said. “Think our guys realize we can’t just show up and play well, that’s not how it works. We got to prepare the right way, got to practice hard, we got to be ready to play. I think our guys have done well that way.”

Alabama got its latest big win on Saturday on the road against Auburn. A top-10 ranked Tennessee is next up on Wednesday, proving to be a tough one in Knoxville.

Oats’ message about being prepared to play every game is being preached on multiple different outlets. Alabama players will have to prove once again they are up for the challenge.