Nate Oats Comments at SEC Media Day 2025

Nate Oats took the stage in Mountain Brook at SEC Media Days, and he had a lot to say. He was asked a few times about his faster and more analytical style of play becoming the norm. He deflected the credit which he was given and attributed it more to the changing style of basketball overall and the success which has trickled down from the NBA.

Nate additionally was asked about his defense, and he reiterated what we have heard many times, mentioning his 2 teams that won both the conference and regular season, both were top 5 in defensive efficiency. Nate also mentioned that he will need to see more out of the front court defensively this season. In regards to back court Nate gave high praises to Davion Hannah, who he said has the chance to be the best defender in the back court since Herb Jones.

Nate also was asked about his scheduling and he mentioned that he doesn't think playing 13 cupcake games is a recipe for success long term. He talked about his time coaching at Romulus and said that playing tough competition is something that he has always felt was important because it helped prepare you for the post season.

His press conference ended with a question regarding the changing landscape in college basketball, namely the House Settlement, and Nate said, “Tell me what the rules are and I will play by them... the guys that complain about it are the ones that can't figure it out."

For Nate's Full Press Conference you can watch it at https://youtu.be/47r328Q9WOc.