Oats Sees Defensive Potential; Wants Action

Just hours after landing top recruit Derrion Reid to up his recruiting class to No. 4 nationally, Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats addressed the media, vut not  about that. Here's a look at what Oats had to say:

Opening Statement

"Lot to learn from the last three games. We just kind of fell abojt this last game. Our point of emphasis is we've got to play 40 minutes.

"Eastern Kentucky plays differently from anything we've seen They press and trap.

"We had an issue with turnovers against Arizaona. We have to do a better job taking care of the ball. This team turns a lot of people over.

"It would be nice to get a win going into Christmas."

On the team's mental state

"We're a little disappointed and frustraed; the players and staff.

"We made the point to them today that three years ago we lost to Western Kentucky and won the SEC.

"We've lost to five really good teams, but we have lost. We've got to find ways to win.

"We can get two wins going in to league play.

"I think the guys are confident that we're one of the best teams in the country if you look at analytics.

"Our offense is still the most efficient in the country

"We've got to show grit, fight and competitiveness. Last 12 minutes of the game we've completely fallen apart.

"Fatigue makes cowards of us all. We've got to be tougher"

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On the big men fouling

"Foul trouble is an understatement. They're averaging 10 fouls per 30 minutes which is not great.

"We've switched our pick and roll defense. I thought it work.

"We're going to keep trying to adjust, but those guys have to do a better job not fouling."

On which players are playing good defense

"Our biggest issues on defense are fouling.

"Sam Walters has got to learn how to keep his hands off.

"Rylan Griffen is our best perimeter defender. Latrell Wrightsell has proven he can be.

"Mark Sears and Aaron Estrada have proven they can be. Mo Wague has those capabilities."

On Grant Nelson

"He's a capable shooter but hasn't caught fire yet. He's got a lot more in him and he needs to attack the rim more."