Instant Analysis: SEC Tipoff '24

The BamaCentral staff breaks down what the Alabama representatives said at media days.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — College basketball season is just 19 days away, and it felt even closer on Wednesday as SEC coaches and players gathered to meet with the media at the Grand Bohemian Hotel for SEC Tipoff '24.

Alabama was represented by head coach Nate Oats, alongside senior guard Mark Sears and graduate transfer guard Aaron Estrada. 

On Tuesday before the event, the media released its preseason SEC poll and preseason All-SEC teams. Alabama was picked to finish fifth in the league, while two players were named to preseason All-SEC teams: Sears on the second team and transfer forward Grant Nelson on the first team. 

Nate Oats addressed a number of things throughout his media availability, from Alabama's new coaching staff, to the Crimson Tide's new transfer class, to Alabama's defensive identity heading into the new season. 

"I thought we did an unbelievable job in the transfer portal," Oats said. "We got four transfers that are all going to contribute significantly. I think the staff that we put together, while it may have taken some time, I think we got it right. I'm super happy with the staff we got."

Alabama has two scrimmages in the upcoming weeks before the season begins: a closed scrimmage against TCU, and a charity exhibition against Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Alabama's season will tip off on Monday, Nov. 6 against Morehead State in Coleman Coliseum. 

Check out the video above as BamaCentral's Blake Byler, Joe Gaither and Mathey Gibson break down the action from SEC Tipoff '24 from the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

Nate Oats Addresses Alabama Being Picked 5th in SEC Preseason Poll