Alabama basketball head coach Nate Oats recently commented on Vanderbilt’s impressive 14-0 start to the season while raising questions about the strength of their schedule. Despite sitting at No. 10 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, Oats highlighted that Vanderbilt’s schedule, ranked 121st nationally according to KenPom metrics, has not included many formidable opponents. In contrast, Alabama holds the 11th hardest schedule, which includes five ranked teams.
Oats stated plainly, “I mean, they haven’t played any real, real good teams,” a remark that certainly caught the attention of Vanderbilt fans who are proud of their team’s unbeaten record, just a few victories shy of tying the program’s best start in history. He maintained this stance throughout a press event, emphasizing that while metrics indicate Vanderbilt is a good team, the level of competition they have faced has not been as challenging.
He commended Vanderbilt’s offensive efficiency, ranking sixth, and their defensive capabilities, ranking 14th, but reiterated the importance of considering the context of their opponents. Alabama, with a record of 11-3, has faced stiffer challenges, securing victories against top-ranked teams like No. 5 St. John’s and No. 8 Illinois. Despite their recent struggles with defensive efficiency, Alabama’s offense ranks second nationally in efficiency, showcasing their talent and resilience, particularly in light of injuries.
The stark contrast in schedule difficulty becomes apparent when examining the types of games each team has played. Although Vanderbilt boasts a 4-0 record in Quad 1 games, their opponents do not compare to the caliber of those Alabama has faced. Oats acknowledges Vanderbilt’s strengths but emphasizes that tight game experience is pivotal, noting that Alabama has thrived in close matches, something Vanderbilt has not encountered as frequently.
As both teams prepare to clash on January 7 in Nashville, Oats remains confident in the preparedness of the Crimson Tide, attributing their success to the rigorous competition they’ve encountered. The outcome of this upcoming game may serve not only as a test for both squads but also as a potential defining moment in terms of demonstrating their respective strengths and weaknesses, especially as Vanderbilt seeks to solidify its status among the nation’s elite teams.