Oats: Don’t Underestimate Mizzou
There are two SEC basketball teams without a league loss through three games: Auburn and Alabama. That's parity.
Alabama coach Nate Oats met with the media in advance of his Tide's 6 p.m. Tuesday matchup at home vs. Missouri. Here's what Oats had to say:
Opening Statement
"I thought our win at Mississippi State showed a lot of character. Some of these guys new to the SEC found out what a true road game is like.
"We showed resilience. We've got positives moving forward.
'We still haven't seen everybody clicking for 40 minutes.
"Missouri is a team that's dangerous. They play fast. THey shoot a lot of three's. They're 0-3 SEC but they can upset somebody.
"They're susceptible to offensive rebounds, but they've got some fire power.
"We've go to do a good job on Sean East. He gets down hill and makes good reads. Carter's tough in the post.
"They do some things well defensively."
On Grant Nelson
"Defensively he's gotten good guarding the post. He doesn't foul as much as some of our other post players.
"Offensively, we've got to get him attacking the rim like he did earlier in the year. Use his passing ability. He was good today in practice.
"There's times it makes sense to move him to five [center]. In order to do that you've got to have guys step up at the four. You can see Mo Dioubate, Jaren Stephenson, or Sam Walters."
On Nick Honor
"He's tough, physical and can shoot the three. He's thick and and strong."
On Conner Vanover
"He's 7'5" and can shoot three's. He's getting bigger and stronger. He protects the rim pretty well."
On Keeping Mizzou off the 3-point Line
"We've got to do a good job on our ball screen coverage. You've got to guard the post without having to double or you're going to give up three's.
"Sometimes you've got to do a good job guarding your man."
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