Why Noah Gurley Has No Problem Waiting for His Moments
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Noah Gurley had a conversation with his dad leading up to Alabama's trip to the SEC Tournament that proved valuable in the Crimson Tide's opening game.
"He told me whenever you get on the court, whenever your time comes, just to take full advantage of it," Gurley said.
His moment came in Friday's SEC Tournament quarterfinal win over Mississippi State. In his most minutes played since late November, Gurley had 11 points and 3 rebounds, including a 3 of 4 performance from beyond the arc. It was the most points he'd scored since the Vanderbilt win Jan. 31.
But why has he been OK with watching his teammates from the bench while his minutes dwindled as a grad player, patiently waiting for his moment? The answer is simple, but it isn't easy.
"I love this team," Gurley said. "You say I support them, well they support me. And I’m very comfortable when I get out there."
The graduate forward did not see any playing time at all in two of the Crimson Tide's final four regular season games. There have been several moment's throughout his career, like the 2022 Arkansas game, where Alabama had to rely on Gurley to get a win.
But it's a different team, roster and set of circumstances this season. Gurley plays the four, but so does Noah Clowney. And so does Brandon Miller sometimes. But Alabama head coach Nate Oats said Gurley understands his role.
Oats said that a few days ago he found Gurley in the training room hours after practice drenched in sweat. The forward told Oats that he had just gotten done with an extra shooting workout.
"For a guy to have some DNPs late in the year for a fifth-year senior, that was a big contributor, started a lot of games last year, to come in and have himself mentally ready to go," Oats said after Friday's game. "This is a team that plays big. Cam Matthews is a more traditional four man. We decided to go bigger with Gurley at the four more often. Had great practices. He was ready to go.
"I think he embodies our team, to be honest with you. Unbelievable culture of guys just caring about their teammates. He's continued to lead, never pouted. We needed him today."
It's a familiar refrain you'll hear echoed by teammate after teammate of Gurley's when asked about the impact he's had on the team this season and his performance against Mississippi State.
Example A: Mark Sears, "No matter whether he’s playing or not, he’s always showing great energy and always cheering us on."
Example B: Nick Pringle, "He's honestly one of the best guys on this team. He's a leader. He’s one of the older guys, so a lot of guys look up to him. He's been in situations where he hasn’t played much, but he’s been giving great energy anyways. And for him to come out today and go 3 for 4 at the 3-point line and play great defense— that’s big time for us. It shows how much we care about each other as a unit, as a group. It’s just great to see.”
Example C: Adam Cottrell, "He’s been a great senior leader for us. He’s one of the most experienced guys we have on the team. He’s one of those guys that his minutes have really fluctuated this year, and the energy and attitude that he's kept through all that and be able to come in and have a big game in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals just shows the kind of dude he is on and off the court. So I’m really happy for him. I think we all are. He’s one of those guys that’s capable doing it any night."
Example D: Dom Welch, "He’s been the best teammate I’ve probably ever had— probably the best teammate on this team this year just with his leadership and the sacrifices he’s took with certain games. He’s just been great on and off the court leading us and just putting us in the right position to succeed."
And it could go on and on if I had unlimited time in the locker room to ask every player on the Crimson Tide roster about what kind of teammate Gurley has been.
However, Friday wasn't just a big opportunity for Gurley to prove himself. As the No. 1-seed in the SEC Tournament, Alabama got the advantage of a double-bye, but still will have to play three games in three days if it wants to win the tournament title.
Because the Crimson Tide was able to build up such a large lead in the first half and early minutes of the second half, stifling the Mississippi State offense, it allowed Oats the chance to rest his starters and give the bench guys an opportunity to prove themselves. Gurley scored more points than any other player off the bench, but other guys like Nimari Burnett, Pringle and Welch contributed valuable minutes as Alabama gets ready to face Missouri in the semifinals Saturday.
"I really wanted to see some bench guys play well," Oats said. "Nimari Burnett has huge upside. I wanted to see him. He hit the one 3. He drove it, got a layup. Thought he was pretty good in his minutes. Would have liked to see Rylan make a few shots, get his confidence back.
“But Noah Gurley was great. I think we can insert him in any of the next two games. He has the confidence to know he's playing well. Dom Welch, I thought he was good. Different kind of guys we can play in different situations.”
See also:
SEC Tournament How to Watch: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Missouri
Full-Court Press: Takeaways from Alabama Basketball vs Mississippi State
Everything Nate Oats and Alabama Basketball Said After Routing Mississippi State 72-49
