Nate Oats breaks down what it’s like coaching Brandon Miller

Since Nate Oats took over at Alabama, there has been a run of draft picks within the program. Freshman forward Brandon Miller will be the latest and most likely the highest selected, impressing early in his Crimson Tide career.

There’s just something special about the Antioch, TN native, being compared to the likes of NBA stars Kevin Durant and Paul George. Lofty expectations for sure but with how Oats is seeing Miller perform off the court, he views him as a true professional.

“Brandon is a little different than those guys,” Oats said comparing his to recent Alabam draft picks. “He’s 6’9, combo guard almost. I think we’ve had really good kids. Go down the line of those four NBA guys I just listed (JD Davison, Kira Lewis, Herb Jones, Josh Primo). They’re all really high-character kids.

“Brandon follows in the same suit. He’s a great kid, with a great personality, works really hard, really cares about his team.”

On the court, Miller has been just as impressive. After a win against Ole Miss on Wednesday night, he leads the SEC in scoring with 19.1 points per game while shooting over 40% from the field. Miller is grabbing 8.6 rebounds a night as well, proving to be one of the best players in the country.

“It is nice to have the best player of the floor most nights when you go out there to coach,” Oats said. “It makes my job a little bit easier. I mean, you can create some offense. Make some tough shots when you’re struggling a little bit.”

Heading into the resumption of college basketball after a Christmas break, Miller was projected to go seventh overall in the latest 2023 NBA Mock Draft. He would be the highest-drafted player out of Alabama since Antonio McDyess went No. 2 in 1995.

Now Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton went a spot lower in 2018 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Despite shooting up NBA Draft boards, no coach will ever tell you things are a finished product. Even if you’re going to be a high lottery pick, there is room for improvement for a one-and-done prospect.

Oats thinks Millers’ ability around the rim, both offensively and defensively, could take a step forward.

“We’re going to get him better,” said Oats. “I still think there are things he needs to do better. Got to finish at the rim better, got to get better defensively. He’s got to rebound a little better on a consistent level. Tonight, he didn’t have any offensive rebounds, I think he can be a better force on that end.”

The NBA Draft will take place this upcoming summer but why look ahead to the future? Miller still has the opportunity to make memories in an Alabama jersey. He might only reside in Tuscaloosa for a singular season but Oats plans on making it a special one.

“We’re going to enjoy him for the one year we’ve got him,” Oats said. “He’s going to be really good next year in the NBA. He’s been really good for us… He’s really talented, going to be a lottery pick.

“He’s going to make us all proud when he leaves here but while he’s here, we’re going to try to win a lot of games and have some fun doing it.”

Alabama was placed on the two-seed line by ESPN’s Joe Lunardi in his latest Bracketology. With how good of a conference the SEC can be plus an impressive nonconference resume, there is an opportunity to jump up to a one-seed as well.

Miller will continually have the chance to showcase his talents on the biggest stage moving forward. Oats is just happy to be along for the ride.