Oats on Auburn: ‘They get after it’

Alabama and Auburn clash in hoops again Wednesday night at 6. Nate Oats previewed the rematch and updated a key suspension. Here's a look:

Opening Statement

"We learned from our losses in non-conference. It got us ready to play in league."

On assistant coaching duties

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"Initially we had coach [Ryan] Pannone take the defense like Charlie Henry did.

"Coach [Austin] Claunch and myself run the offense, but it's not that cookie-cutter.

"I kind of flipped over to defense and let them know if you're not going to guard, you're not going to play.

"Our defense is in the 50's. We're trying to get it in the 30's [nationally]."

On the environment at Auburn

"It's so loud. You got to Auburn and it's like Duke with the students right on the floor. They're rowdy. They get after it. It's great. I love it.

"It's important communicating between players and coaching. You don't know what this rivalry's about until you experience it."

On Nick Pringle's status

"I'm not sure how much he'll play. He'll be available to play. He's gradually working his way back in."

On replication success vs. AU

"We came out with intensity and turned them over. Rylan Griffen gave us a big boost knocking down four three's early.

"We've got to take care of the ball and do a better job on Johni Broome."

On his feelings re the rivalry

"I get amped up for them like the players do. I coach because I like to compete. These big games to me are fun. You get to complete in a packed out gym before a national audience. We've had some wild swings in these games.

"I get a little nervous and a little excited. It's a little different than playing chess or golf."

On the job he's done this year

"I'm probably not the one to judge that. I'm just trying not to have a collapse the second half of conference.

"It's been a learning curve. We've just got to keep this thing rolling."

On Dartmouth's players unionizing

"I'm not an attorney. I'm not sure what all that entails. The players are compensated through NIL. I don't have all the answers to that.

"One thing I've learned at Alabama is not to speak on something I'm not educated on."