Nate Oats praises play of young players in Arkansas win

Nate Oats’ 2022 recruiting class was rated No. 4 in On3’s Consensus Team Rankings. However, one could make the argument that they’ve outperformed that high ranking so far this season as the exciting freshman for the Crimson Tide put on a show again at Arkansas on Wednesday night.

After leading No. 4 Alabama to an 84-69 victory over the Razorbacks in Bud Walton Arena, Oats praised his pair of young forwards in Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney. He said neither player backed down from the moment as they made important shots, including clutch ones late, to help their team extend its lead and eventually win.

“Man, Clowney’s not scared of much. Neither is Brandon but we’ve seen it from (him). Clowney has stepped up big in some big games,” Oats said. “I sat down and met with Clowney last night. (Arkansas) had shown they’re not gonna guard guys that have lower percentages. He hadn’t been shooting it great at the beginning of the year so his percentage was lower.”

“I just told him if you’re open and you’re feet are set? Don’t hesitate and let it go…He went 3-4 (from three overall), Brandon went 2-2,” said Oats. “Brandon’s been big, clutch. Makes big free throws, he has made big shots. Those three threes between the two of those guys when we were making that run was huge.”

Freshman lead Alabama in scoring (Miller with 18.8), rebounding (Clowney with 8.3), and assists (Jaden Bradley with 3.7) this season. Their production has been integral to the Tide’s success this season. That fact was on full display again in Fayetteville last night. While transfer guard Mark Sears was putting on a show of his own, Miller finished with 14 points, all after halftime, while Clowney finished with 15. They did the little things too with a combined nine rebounds, four assists, and three blocks on 80% shooting from the field and 83.3% from three.

With one key stretch in the final minutes, these two wrapped a bow on the game for Alabama. After nearly losing their 12-point lead, Clowney made his third three with 4:31 left. In their next two possessions, Miller made both of his attempts on the night from deep in truly cold-blooded fashion. The Tide’s lead bloomed from two to 11 again in just 49 seconds thanks to those heroics.

Alabama has plenty of experience to compete with anyone. However, it’s their freshman who may be making the most contributions on their roster. Their youngsters come across as fearless in everything they do and, if they keep that confidence alive, they’re more than capable of taking the Tide far this season.