"Nate Oats disrespected you": Fans left in disbelief as Alabama HC inadvertently predicts Duke win vs Arizona in Sweet 16

By MD Asif Ansari

Modified Mar 28, 2025 03:51 GMT

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament East Regional Practice - Source: Imagn — Nate Oats talks to the media - Source: Imagn

College basketball fans were stunned after Alabama head coach Nate Oats seemingly predicted Duke's win over Arizona in the Sweet 16. Alabama has seen a resurgence under Oats, advancing to its third Elite Eight in program history after a dominant 113-88 win over BYU on Thursday.

But what caught fans off guard was Oats’ comment before Arizona’s game against Duke. After the win, Oats wasted no time looking ahead. Speaking with CBS sideline reporter Allie LaForce in the postgame interview, Oats shared his thoughts on the team’s next challenge: facing Duke.

According to a tweet from play-by-play broadcaster Jake Marsh, 30 minutes before tipoff, Oats said:

Nate Oats sharpening their defense ahead of Saturday’s clash

Alabama coach Nate Oats wasted no time addressing his team’s performance Thursday night after securing a spot in the Elite Eight. Speaking to CBS Sports’ Allie LaForce, Oats admitted the Crimson Tide must sharpen their defense ahead of Saturday’s clash.

Was it a bold prediction or a simple slip? Either way, Oats knows his team has no room for error heading into the next round.

About the author

Mohammad Asif Ansari is a journalist covering college football and basketball at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Technology and brings four years of experience as an NFL and EdTech writer.

While acknowledging the dominance of professional leagues like the NBA and NFL, Asif is drawn to the raw energy and unpredictability of college sports, particularly football and basketball.

Jalen Hurts stands out as Asif's all-time favorite college player, celebrated for his remarkable success on the football field and impressive leadership skills.

In his reporting, Asif seeks to capture the essence of college athletics, delving into the human stories behind the game. From the trials and triumphs of student-athletes to the strategic genius of coaches like Nick Saban, he strives to paint a vivid picture of the college sports landscape.

Asif ensures that his reporting is both informative and ethically sound, meticulously verifying sources and facts to provide readers with reliable and trustworthy content.

When not writing, Asif practices basic MMA, hones his biking skills and expands his language proficiency in Urdu and Arabic.

Know More