Jaden Shackelford comments on defense after big win over South Carolina

After beating South Carolina 90-71 on Saturday, Alabama guard Jaden Shackelford commented on how defense was the deciding factor in their win. Alabama built an incredible lead by halftime, leading 50-27, before allowing the Gamecocks to get back within six points to start the second half. After buckling down on defense again, the Crimson Tide pushed their lead back up to nearly 20 points as they handled South Carolina with ease.

Jaden Shackelford on defense beating South Carolina

“Once you get all five to lock in on getting stops, the game gets so much easier,” Shackelford said after the game. “They made a run where we weren’t as locked in on defense as we should have been starting the second half. But once we locked in, you see what we’re capable of and the offense flows — everything just flows and gets the energy of the game up. Just getting stops and playing defense at that level is what’s gonna get us going.”

The SEC Now postgame team asked Shackelford about how defense has become their identity this season, and referenced head coach Nate Oats saying that players who won’t play defense, won’t play for his team.

“It’s just a mentality,” Shackelford answered. “It’s something that we’re trying to establish in this culture here. Having a defensive mindset to win games. That’s how you win big games. It’s just everybody buying in. Coach’s statement was very true — ‘If you’re not gonna guard you can’t play.’ Guarding is big for us and that’s how you’re gonna win.”

Shackelford closed his postgame interview by answering questions about how it felt to get a win on Senior Night for his senior teammates.

“Man, it means the world. We were in a similar situation last year where we had a bunch of seniors and we’re in the same situation this year. Just to send them off on a good note, it’s just good. We’re trying to send them off strong, they mean so much to our program so it’s big for us and we’re real happy for them.”

“I would say it’s contagious for sure, especially with our team and the energy we bring,” Shackelford added on Alabama’s three-point shooting on Saturday. “Hitting shots is big for us and it’s definitely contagious.”