Nate Oats sees Alabama players chasing ‘blue-collar points’ since Ole Miss loss

Nate Oats has seen Alabama playing the right way during the five-game win streak since their last loss back at the middle of the month.

Oats spoke about the Tide’s play and focus on accumulating what they call their blue-collar points following a 90-69 win over Georgia on Saturday. He noted several players who tallied a lot in that category against the Bulldogs, including the two who lead them in it the most each game.

“You know, I mean, Sears had 14 tonight. Grant was a half a one behind Dioubate. You know – I mean, you look at Mo-D? 20. Grant – 19.5. Cliff with 15. Sears with 14. These guys are kind of really trying to get after it,” said Oats. “You know, Grant? I like the competition between ’em. You know, Grant and Mo-D are kind of the two that, my guess would be, have won it the most this year.”

Blue-collar points are probably what you think they are as they’re earned through effort plays on the court, specifically defensively. A point is given for rebounds, steals, blocks, deflections, and loose balls that are recovered. An offensive rebound is then worth a point and a half while diving on the floor is worth two.

With that, Oats explained how it leads to better overall play when his players go about the game in that way – much like Jarin Stevenson did this weekend.

“You know, we’ve to get a couple of these other guys in the mix a little bit more, a little bit better,” said Oats.

“You know, I’m trying to pump Jarin up, get him back winning it. He won it in back-to-back games. But I thought Jarin’s mindset was right playing hard, trying to make tough, blue collar plays. And then, you know what, when your mindset is right and that’s what you’re more worried about than anything? You know, Jarin didn’t miss a field goal, didn’t miss a free throw,” said Oats. “Even though he didn’t end up, you know, being at the top of the blue-collar, I thought that was where his mindset was and I think that translates. Just kind of lose yourself in the game like he did tonight. He ended up playing really well on the offensive end.”

Blue-collar points are more about a way to play more than anything else. That’s why Oats wants to see his team add them up, especially with how they’ve contributed to their current win streak in conference play.

“Hopefully all of our guys can kind of learn from it and keep competing to get blue-collar points, if you will, but make tough plays and get stops,” said Oats.